Chippenham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Chippenham poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Chippenham?

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

Why do people love the 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.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

At that time, 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 that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused 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.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of great 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's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas, 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 more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.

What should you wear to the events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live 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 clothing.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared 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.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

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

Chippenham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Chippenham, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chippenham Bonfire Night