Colliers Wood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Colliers Wood poster

Every year in Colliers Wood, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Greater London we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Colliers Wood's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

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

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

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

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the 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.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

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

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

The event has impressed 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.

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.

Colliers Wood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Colliers Wood, High Street, Collier's Wood, London Borough of Merton, London, Greater London, England, SW19 2BN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Colliers Wood Bonfire Night