Cockington Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cockington poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

At that time, Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics with the vision that only an armed struggle would reinstate Catholicism to the rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community-focused event over the years.

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

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is quite interesting.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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 wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with 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.

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 as well.

Some traditions are common:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, 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 Bonfire Nights. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

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

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

Cockington Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cockington Farm, Alwington, Torridge, Devon, England, EX39 5BN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cockington Bonfire Night