Blackwall Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Blackwall poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Blackwall?

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

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

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

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November was a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

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

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 looked similar as the 20th century went on.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of amazing 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, as well as smaller events.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the 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 common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are 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.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

What should you wear to the events?

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

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

Most people like to show off their winter clothes during the Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is 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.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.

Over the years, it's one of those events that have 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 of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Blackwall Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Blackwall, Aspen Way, Blackwall, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London, England, E14 9QB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Blackwall Bonfire Night