Basildon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Basildon poster

Every year in Basildon, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Essex we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Basildon's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but was cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What are you going to wear for the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, because you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

The event has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Basildon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Basildon, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Basildon Bonfire Night