Bedford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bedford poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bedford?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.

The conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Bedfordshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is in preparation for the events, and it is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community and smaller events.

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

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

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some food.

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Bedford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bedford Bonfire Night