Bridgwater Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bridgwater poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bridgwater?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its 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 during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after he got cold feet.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared 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.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of 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, although smaller events also take place.

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 enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, 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. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • It is a tradition to carry 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 an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just 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 people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

What are you going to wear for 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.

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

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

If you want to protect yourself against the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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

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!

Bridgwater Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bridgwater, Sedgemoor, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bridgwater Bonfire Night