Braunton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Braunton poster

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

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

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

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Devon, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

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.

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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • There are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.

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.

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

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

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and toffee apples are all 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.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

Summing up

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.

It has impressed people over the years.

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

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

Braunton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Braunton, North Devon, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Braunton Bonfire Night