Bishops Stortford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bishops Stortford poster

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

What should you know about Bishops Stortford's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual celebration.

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

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of this.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

The origins of the event are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

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 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is obviously 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 Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or 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 around the 5th of November as well.

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

Bottom line

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

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 over the years.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Bishops Stortford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bishops Stortford Town Arm Turning Point, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, England, CM23 3AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bishops Stortford Bonfire Night