Cheetham Hill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cheetham Hill poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Cheetham Hill?

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

Why do people love the festivities so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

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

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in 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, a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the correct 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.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Here are some traditions:

  • During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

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

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into 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 years and years to come.

Cheetham Hill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cheetham Hill, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M8 8JA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cheetham Hill Bonfire Night