Devizes Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Devizes poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Devizes?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

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

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

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

Robert and Guy were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition to light bonfires.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during the night.

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

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks 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 also 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation 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 there.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are 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.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

Traditions associated with the night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at 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.

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

Summing up

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into 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 to come.

Devizes Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Devizes, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Devizes Bonfire Night