Croydon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Croydon poster

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

What should you know about Croydon's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

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

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

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

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

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

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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 in a public statement.

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

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among 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 also be able 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 traditions that are common:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy 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.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • 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. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is obvious that this is a 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, these events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great 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 right way to travel here.

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

Summing up

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

The event has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become 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 go on for many years to come.

Croydon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Croydon, London, Greater London, England, CR0 1SZ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Croydon Bonfire Night