Chester-le-Street Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Chester-le-Street poster

Every year in Chester-le-Street, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Durham we gather around the bonfire.

What information is important to know about Chester-le-Street's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king, who was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared the fact 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 of lighting up bonfires.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

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

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

Something to keep in mind is 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 protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are traditions associated with the night.

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

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

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, 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things 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.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

It is one of the events that has impressed people over the years.

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

Chester-le-Street Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Chester-le-Street, County Durham, North East, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chester-le-Street Bonfire Night