Bonnyrigg Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bonnyrigg poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bonnyrigg?

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and so the plan was to kill him.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody once they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all related to the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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 a classical touch is usually the right way to go there.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are a lot of great 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, but smaller events also take place.

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 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.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.

Bottom line

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

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

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Bonnyrigg Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Alba / Scotland, EH19 2DA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bonnyrigg Bonfire Night