Branston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Branston poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Branston?

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring back Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation 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 bonfires.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Staffordshire.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

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 from the cold weather.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly 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 as well.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good 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:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate 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 over the years it has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Branston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Branston, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Branston Bonfire Night