Cumnor Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Cumnor, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Oxfordshire.
What should you know about Cumnor's bonfire night?
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.
Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few moments.
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 blowing up the parliament.
People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.
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 both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.
Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.
The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.
A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.
The other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned of the plan.
The Parliament made a public statement and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.
The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful for.
We were led to the Bonfire Night.
In places like Oxfordshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.
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 because of the focus on having fun.
In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.
There are attractions at Bonfire Night
You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.
In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.
For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.
You will get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.
There are some common traditions:
- The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
- Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
- Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
- "Penny for the Guy" is one of the more interesting traditions. 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
- There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?
The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.
There are a lot of foods associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are just some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.
These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.
Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.
The Bonfire Night has traditions.
People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.
This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.
Most of the time, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.
What are you going to wear for the events?
People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.
It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared 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 the fact that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here.
You don't have to dress up in a costume but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.
Summing up
Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.
It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.
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 it has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.
The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.
Cumnor Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Cumnor, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Organiser: Cumnor Bonfire Night
