Bretton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bretton poster

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

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

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

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

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

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, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 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 intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community 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 are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 include a firework display and large bonfire.

What are you going to wear to the events?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

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

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of the 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 event to continue for many years to come!

Bretton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bretton, Peterborough, City of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bretton Bonfire Night