Bridgend Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bridgend poster

Every year in Bridgend, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Bridgend we gather around the bonfire.

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as 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 reading this quick recap.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of the event.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he was cold feet.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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 because of its focus on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a Classical touch is usually the right 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.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become 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 impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Bridgend Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bridgend, Cymru / Wales, CF31 1DB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bridgend Bonfire Night