East Grinstead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in East Grinstead poster

Every year in East Grinstead, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of West Sussex we gather around the bonfire.

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick recap.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

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

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

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of the focus on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the best 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 dress up.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events 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 event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

You will get to enjoy 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 that are common:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, 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 and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all 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 family members.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

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 many years.

East Grinstead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: East Grinstead, Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: East Grinstead Bonfire Night