Blaenavon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Blaenavon poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, however, he got cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement 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 hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things 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 for the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some 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, although smaller events also take place.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people, 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.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is 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.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and 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 way.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for people to show off their winter clothes.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.

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

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year.

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

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Blaenavon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Blaenavon, Torfaen, Cymru / Wales, NP4 9EJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Blaenavon Bonfire Night