Blackburn Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Blackburn poster

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

What should you know about Blackburn'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 events?

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

What is a common association with 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 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared 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.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this 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.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks 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 also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • 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 paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. 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.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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 it has become a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Blackburn Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: F Blackburn Motor Bodies, Chorley Moor, Chorley, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Blackburn Bonfire Night