Blantyre Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Blantyre, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of South Lanarkshire we gather around the bonfire.
What should you know about Blantyre's bonfire night?
The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event over the years is the Bonfire Night.
Why do people love these celebrations?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.
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, and also to blow up the parliament.
In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.
What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.
Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.
Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.
The king was in attendance and so the plan was to kill him.
A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.
After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody.
The Parliament made a statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.
The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful for it.
It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.
Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK.
Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.
The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.
The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.
Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night
People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on 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, in a safe manner.
Most of the time, these events include a firework display and large bonfire.
Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?
The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on during the night.
There are many foods associated with the event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.
These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.
Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.
There are attractions for Bonfire Night.
You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.
In the countryside, you usually 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 also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.
These are some traditions that are common:
- The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
- The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
- Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
- There are firework displays all over the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
- The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
What are you going to wear to the events?
Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.
This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.
The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter outfits.
Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with aclassical touch is usually the right way to go here.
A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.
Bottom line
Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.
It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great food.
Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.
Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become a more community-friendly event.
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.
Blantyre Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Alba / Scotland, G72 9AA, United Kingdom
Organiser: Blantyre Bonfire Night
