Birtley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Birtley poster

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

What should you know about Birtley's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivities?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

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

The Parliament made a public 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 bonfires.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at 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.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are many 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.

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

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing 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 a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebration of the night.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is quite 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 attire.

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

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it became 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 of Bonfire Night.

Birtley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Birtley, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, DH3 1ER, United Kingdom

Organiser: Birtley Bonfire Night