Copthorne Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Copthorne poster

Every year in Copthorne, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of West Sussex we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Copthorne's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

At that time, 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 in an armed struggle to bring back Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance and 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 fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order 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 are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night.

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and toffee apples are all 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.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has become 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 go on for many years to come.

Copthorne Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Copthorne, Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England, RH10 3RB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Copthorne Bonfire Night