College Park Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in College Park poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in College Park?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

But what does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

Why do we celebrate 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 been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebrations of the night.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many 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.

It 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • 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 had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order 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 more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

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

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

College Park Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: College Park, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, Greater London, England, NW10 6AR, United Kingdom

Organiser: College Park Bonfire Night