Bilston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bilston poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these festivities?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and said 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 bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because the focus was on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some 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.

Yes, 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 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is in preparation 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 the right way to go.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't wear a costume.

Traditions related to 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 large bonfire and a firework display.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

At the end

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

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

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 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!

Bilston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bilston, Wolverhampton, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, WV14 6BY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bilston Bonfire Night