Brynmawr Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Brynmawr poster

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

What should you know about Brynmawr's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

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

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king, who was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

In places like Blaenau Gwent, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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" because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

A lot of people think that 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 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 common traditions:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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 as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared 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 a good way to go here.

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

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, 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 as well.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or other family members.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

Over the years it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Brynmawr Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent, Cymru / Wales, NP23 4AN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Brynmawr Bonfire Night