Edgbaston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Edgbaston poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Edgbaston?

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

Why do people love the festivities so much?

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 associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his attempt.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

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

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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 because the focus was on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with 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 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:

  • 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.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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 dress up in a costume.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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.

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

Bottom line

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

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

Edgbaston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Edgbaston, Park Central, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B15 3TB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Edgbaston Bonfire Night