Bungay Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bungay poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bungay?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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 too tolerant of the Catholics.

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were also taken into custody once 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 light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

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

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

What should you wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

This approach is quite interesting and is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

There are 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 the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

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

In the countryside, you mostly 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 people.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

At the end

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

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

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

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.

Bungay Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bungay, East Suffolk, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bungay Bonfire Night