Coulsdon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Coulsdon poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

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

However, 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.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

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

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome and you don't have to dress up in a costume.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

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

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions 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 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event 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 years and years to come!

Coulsdon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Coulsdon, London, Greater London, England, CR5 2NF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Coulsdon Bonfire Night