Burghfield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Burghfield poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Burghfield?

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

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations 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?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

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

The plan was to kill the king because he was there.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during 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.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

People parade in 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.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are a lot of things associated with this 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into 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 a long time to come.

Burghfield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Burghfield, West Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Burghfield Bonfire Night