Bideford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bideford poster

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

What information is important to know about Bideford's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

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

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

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 his plan.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for.

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

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

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You will find a lot 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 smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good 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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just 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 people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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

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

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this to continue for many years to come.

Bideford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bideford, Torridge, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bideford Bonfire Night