Cranbrook Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cranbrook poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Cranbrook?

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event is the Bonfire Night.

But what does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

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?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned about the plan.

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

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

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is obviously 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.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are lots 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.

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 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 are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. 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 tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.

At the end

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

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this 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 many years to come.

Cranbrook Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cranbrook, Orpington Road, Leesons, St Paul's Cray, London Borough of Bromley, London, Greater London, England, BR7 6RA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cranbrook Bonfire Night