Belmont Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Belmont poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Belmont?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being intolerant against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not only 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 people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • 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 an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

People wear 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 it was a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

Conclusion

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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 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 many years to come.

Belmont Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Belmont, Charlton, Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire, England, OX12 9BJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Belmont Bonfire Night