Bentilee Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bentilee poster

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

What should you know about Bentilee's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

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

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

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

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 because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

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

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

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

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during 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.

At the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

Over the years it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

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

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Bentilee Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bentilee Library, Dawlish Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, England, ST2 0HP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bentilee Bonfire Night