Donkey Town Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Donkey Town poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also to blow up the parliament.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

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

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 also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the 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.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People parade in 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, in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods 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.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

Summing up

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Donkey Town Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Donkey Town, West End, Surrey Heath, Surrey, England, GU24 9NG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Donkey Town Bonfire Night