East Wickham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in East Wickham poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Greater London.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The 20th century event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family members.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great place for people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of great 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-focused event, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able 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:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Conclusion

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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 the event has evolved over the years into 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 Wickham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: East Wickham, London Borough of Bexley, London, Greater London, England, DA16 3DG, United Kingdom

Organiser: East Wickham Bonfire Night