Cotham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cotham poster

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

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

Over the years the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after 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 in honor of being thankful.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things 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 as well.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers at 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, but in a safe manner.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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 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 have to dress up in a costume.

Conclusion

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

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

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

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Cotham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cotham, Bristol, City of Bristol, West of England, England, BS6 6BE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cotham Bonfire Night