Clarkston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Clarkston poster

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

What should you know about Clarkston's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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 the night ever since.

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

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

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

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement 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.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's 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 it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things that are 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.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • The "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. 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 not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared 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 right way to travel here.

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

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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

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

Clarkston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Clarkston, Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Alba / Scotland, ML6 7GP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Clarkston Bonfire Night