Caerleon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Caerleon poster

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

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

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

Why do people like these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful for it.

We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

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.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like minded people.

However, 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 tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy 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.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just 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 for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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 manner.

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against cold weather is more than welcome.

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some food.

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

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.

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!

Caerleon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Caerleon, Station Approach, Taverner Trading Estate, Caerleon, Gwent, Cymru / Wales, NP18 1NJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Caerleon Bonfire Night