Birstall Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Birstall poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Birstall?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations 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?

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.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but was cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

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

There are attractions during the night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, as well as smaller events.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world 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 are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch 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 night of Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 way.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

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

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

What should you wear to the events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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

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

Birstall Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Birstall, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England, WF17 9EL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Birstall Bonfire Night