East Kilbride Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in East Kilbride, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Na h-Eileanan Siar.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in East Kilbride?

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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 because it was a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

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

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

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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 from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things 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.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or other family members.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and 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 tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are many 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.

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 like-minded people.

You will also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
• The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
• Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those things that have impressed people.

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

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

East Kilbride Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Taobh a' Chaolais, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Alba / Scotland, HS8 5TS, United Kingdom

Organiser: East Kilbride Bonfire Night