Bitterne Park Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bitterne Park poster

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

What should you know about Bitterne Park's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being 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 kill the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement 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 traveled to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

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.

There are some common traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

In the end

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

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that 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 years and years to come.

Bitterne Park Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: First Bus Hampshire and Dorset, Empress Road, Bevois Valley, Newtown-Nicholstown, Southampton, England, SO14 0YT, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bitterne Park Bonfire Night