Colchester Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Colchester?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

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

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

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

The Parliament shared the news 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.

Which lead 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 celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

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

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

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.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks 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.

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:

• In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
• Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some 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.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Conclusion

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Colchester Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Colchester, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Colchester Bonfire Night