Cullompton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cullompton poster

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

What should you know about Cullompton's bonfire night?

Over the years the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

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 rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night 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 in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was in attendance.

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

The other conspirators were also taken into custody once 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 to be thankful for.

Which led us 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.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many great 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, although smaller events also take place.

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 will be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. 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.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is 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.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

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 the right way to go.

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

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people 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.

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

Cullompton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cullompton, Mid Devon, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cullompton Bonfire Night