Buckingham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Buckingham poster

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

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

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

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

Why do we celebrate 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 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert 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 Westminster.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

The conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of this.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus being on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, 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.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires and local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 can also 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 common traditions:

  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Summing up

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

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

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

Buckingham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Buckinghamshire, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Buckingham Bonfire Night