Cobham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cobham poster

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

What should you know about Cobham's bonfire night?

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

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

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

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 Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king while he was there.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You will find many amazing 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.

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.

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

There are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • 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 stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. 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 biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

At the end

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

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great 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 is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over time.

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

Cobham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cobham, Elmbridge, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cobham Bonfire Night