Cheam Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cheam poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these things so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with 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, while also trying to blow 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.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the rightful place.

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

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but was cold feet.

The other conspirators were also taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People 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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all 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.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great place for people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is the fact that 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 helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some 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, but smaller events also take place.

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

You will also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • 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. In some parts of the world, you can find kids blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's 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.

Cheam Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cheam, London, Greater London, England, SM3 8RJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cheam Bonfire Night