Cranbrook Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cranbrook poster

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

What should you know about Cranbrook's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here once they learned about it.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear to the events?

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

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.

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

Which foods are popular during the 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, treacle toffee and the toffee apples 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.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.

Summing up

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

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 over the years it has become a more community-friendly event.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because happiness and a good time are the most important parts.

Cranbrook Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, TN17 3ES, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cranbrook Bonfire Night