East Cowes Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in East Cowes poster

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

What should you know about East Cowes's bonfire night?

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing 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 that it is a way to celebrate the failure.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins 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 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot 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.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

At the end

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

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

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

East Cowes Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: East Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: East Cowes Bonfire Night