Downend Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Downend poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Downend?

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

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

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

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 Catholicism back to its rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament said that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community focused event over the years.

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 common traditions:

  • 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 with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band 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.

Summing up

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

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

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 the event has evolved over the years 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!

Downend Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Downend, Downend and Bromley Heath, South Gloucestershire, West of England, England, BS16 6ER, United Kingdom

Organiser: Downend Bonfire Night