Elland Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Elland's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these events?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

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

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

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

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

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

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

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

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

These are some traditions that are common:

• The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
• Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

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

Summing up

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

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

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

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Elland Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Elland, Calderdale, West Yorkshire, England, HX5 0DE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Elland Bonfire Night