Broadwater Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Broadwater poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

What is it that makes people love these events 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 tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be 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 supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

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

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

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

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

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events end with a firework display and a big bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are lots of amazing 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, but there are also 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 enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • There's a tradition 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. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

It is one of the things that have impressed people over the years.

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 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.

Broadwater Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Broadwater, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, SG2 8EY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Broadwater Bonfire Night