Calcot Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Calcot's bonfire night?

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

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, 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.

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Gloucestershire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these events end with a firework display and a big bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

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 being shared with the community.

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.

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.

Here are some traditions:

• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
• The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't wear a costume.

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

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.

Calcot Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Calcot, Coln St. Dennis, Coln Rogers, Cotswold, Gloucestershire, England, GL54 3JZ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Calcot Bonfire Night