Brown Lees Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Brown Lees poster

Every year in Brown Lees, 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 Brown Lees's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people like these festivities so much?

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

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, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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 the rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are many 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 to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus was on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some 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.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some 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.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of 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. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

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 include a firework display and large bonfire.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event, and it continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has 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.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Brown Lees Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Brown Lees, Biddulph, Staffordshire Moorlands, Staffordshire, England, ST8 6PB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Brown Lees Bonfire Night