Bicester Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bicester poster

Every year in Bicester, 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 Bicester?

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore 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 when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after he got cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

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 event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

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

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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

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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for 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 biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

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

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because happiness and a good time are the most important parts.

Bicester Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bicester, Cherwell, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bicester Bonfire Night