Cwmavon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Cwmavon poster

Every year in Cwmavon, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Neath Port Talbot we gather around the bonfire.

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual celebration.

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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 other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned about the plan.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Neath Port Talbot, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
  • There are firework displays all over the country with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all 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.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event.

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

Cwmavon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Cwmavon, Neath Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Cwmavon Bonfire Night