Caldicot Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Caldicot poster

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

What should you know about Caldicot's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is a common association with 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 Bonfire Night.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was there.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody here 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 make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to its focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually 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-focused event, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for 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 go here in winter.

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 get together and enjoy some great 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 over the years it has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this to continue for years and years to come.

Caldicot Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Caldicot, Monmouthshire, Cymru / Wales, NP26 4BW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Caldicot Bonfire Night