Burscough Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Burscough poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Burscough?

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire 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 that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation, shared the fact 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 decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of the event are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and use fireworks, flaming torches, and sparklers on 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 way.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks 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 can also enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing happening.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and other items are associated with the 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 their soups with friends and other family members.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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 aclassical touch is usually the right way to go 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.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that has 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 aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Burscough Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Burscough, West Lancashire, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Burscough Bonfire Night