Brereton Cross Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Brereton Cross poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these celebrations?

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 a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being racist 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 people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

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 the focus was on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some 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.

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

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • One interesting 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 for the fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great place 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.

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or family members.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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

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

At the end

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's 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 event to continue for years and years to come!

Brereton Cross Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Upper Cross Road, Rugeley, Slitting Mill, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England, WS15 2JD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Brereton Cross Bonfire Night