Cockermouth Bonfire Night 2022

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

What information is important to know about Cockermouth's Bonfire Night?

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

But what is it that makes 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 overview.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things 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 are prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but 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

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

Here are some common traditions:

• The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook 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 people eat on Bonfire Nights. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

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

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

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

Cockermouth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cockermouth, Allerdale, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cockermouth Bonfire Night