Brentwood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Brentwood poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Brentwood?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

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

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What are you going to wear for the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

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

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

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

You don’t have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are just some of the things 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 friends and other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly 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 get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Brentwood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Brentwood, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Brentwood Bonfire Night