Chard Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Chard?

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

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

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

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement 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 therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night 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 it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or family.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, 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 manner.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many great 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, as well as smaller events.

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.

There are some traditions that are common:

• It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
• Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
• The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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.

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.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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 over the years.

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.

Chard Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Chard, South Somerset, Somerset, England, TA20 2AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chard Bonfire Night