City of Westminster Bonfire Night 2022

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

What information is important to know about City of Westminster's Bonfire Night?

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is 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 in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, 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 anti-Catholic.

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up cold feet.

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

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event 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 because of the focus on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

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, even if you don't need to dress up in a costume.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

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

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

Some traditions are common:

• The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for 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.
• During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
• It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event.

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

City of Westminster Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: City of Westminster, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: City of Westminster Bonfire Night