Cheltenham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cheltenham poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Cheltenham?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these events 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 the Bonfire Night connected to?

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.

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

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful for it.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

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

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 was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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

You will also 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.

Some traditions are common:

  • 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 to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order 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.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

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 eat amazing foods.

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.

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

Cheltenham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cheltenham Bonfire Night