Chesterfield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Chesterfield poster

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

What should you know about Chesterfield's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because 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 the rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament said 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 eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, as well as smaller events.

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

You will get 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:

  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People in costumes 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, in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over 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.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into 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!

Chesterfield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Chesterfield Farm, Wall, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chesterfield Bonfire Night