Blackfen Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Blackfen poster

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

What information is important to know about Blackfen's Bonfire Night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

What is it that people 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 quick recap.

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, as well as blowing up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who wanted an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers 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 as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Blackfen Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Blackfen, London Borough of Bexley, London, Greater London, England, DA15 9HG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Blackfen Bonfire Night