Cottam Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cottam poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these events?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick article.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of that attempt.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king because he was there.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

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

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

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

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

Here are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the 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. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear 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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most 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 helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

In the end

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

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this to continue for years and years to come.

Cottam Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cottam, Woodplumpton, Preston, Lancashire, England, PR4 0LB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cottam Bonfire Night