Chichester Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Chichester poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Chichester?

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this short article.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

Robert and Guy were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

The conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared with the public 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 ended up at the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus was on having fun.

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

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing happening.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

There are attractions during the night.

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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 people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did 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 used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK 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 supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions 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 effort to blow up the Parliament building.

In the end

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

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

It 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 over the years.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Chichester Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cadence Cycle Hub - Upwaltham, A285, Duncton, Eartham, Chichester, West Sussex, England, GU28 0LX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chichester Bonfire Night