Cross Gates Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cross Gates poster

Every year in Cross Gates, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of West Yorkshire we gather around the bonfire.

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

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

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

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

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

The member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were also taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.

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

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

In places like West Yorkshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

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

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

Traditions associated with the night.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many 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, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You can also enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

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 over the years.

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

Cross Gates Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cross Gates, Austhorpe, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, LS15 7LE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cross Gates Bonfire Night