Cambridge Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cambridge poster

Every year in Cambridge, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Cambridgeshire we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Cambridge's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

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 by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the catholics.

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement stating that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its sinister origins.

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

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing 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 usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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 go on for many years to come.

Cambridge Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cambridge Bonfire Night