Dartmouth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Dartmouth poster

Every year in Dartmouth, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Devon.

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

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible celebration over the years.

What does it mean and why do 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 that attempt.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance and so the plan was to kill him.

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Devon.

Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do 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.

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

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

Here are some common traditions:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

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 large bonfire and a firework display.

Bottom line

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those things that have impressed people.

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 a long time.

Dartmouth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Dartmouth, South Hams, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Dartmouth Bonfire Night