Chorley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Chorley poster

Every year in Chorley, 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 Chorley's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

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 Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

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 get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels 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.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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 cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly 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 soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year

It's a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

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.

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

Chorley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Chorley, Farewell and Chorley, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, WS13 8DP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Chorley Bonfire Night