Drayton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Drayton poster

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

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

Over the years the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a 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 because he wanted to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating 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 Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

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

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events 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.

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.

There are some traditions:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

People 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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things that are 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 as well.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it 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.

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

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

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.

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

Drayton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Drayton, East Meon, East Hampshire, Hampshire, England, GU32 1PW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Drayton Bonfire Night