Bellingham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bellingham poster

Every year in Bellingham, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Greater London.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bellingham?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick list.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

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

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

There are attractions during the night.

You will find many amazing 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 event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Here are some traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

Traditions associated with the night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Bellingham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bellingham, Southend, London Borough of Lewisham, London, Greater London, England, SE6 3HD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bellingham Bonfire Night