Dumfries Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Dumfries poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Dumfries?

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

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up cold feet.

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

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Dumfries and Galloway.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the 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.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from 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. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Dumfries Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, Alba / Scotland, DG1 1HS, United Kingdom

Organiser: Dumfries Bonfire Night