Bickenhill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bickenhill poster

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

What should you know about Bickenhill's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of the event.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

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

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

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

What should you wear?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

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

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

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 enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the 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.
  • The bonfires aren't just 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 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 eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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.

Bickenhill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bickenhill, Bickenhill and Marston Green, Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B92 0DN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bickenhill Bonfire Night