Bowling Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bowling poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bowling?

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

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.

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.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People parade in 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.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on.

There are many foods associated with the event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

It 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 see 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 exist:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. 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. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became 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.

Bowling Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Alba / Scotland, G60 5AH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bowling Bonfire Night