Englefield Green Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Englefield Green poster

Every year in Englefield Green, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Surrey.

What information is important to know about Englefield Green's Bonfire Night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

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

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

A conspiracy member 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 statement regarding 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 up bonfires.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that 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.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will 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 common traditions:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but 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 with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

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 way.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

At the end

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

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

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

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

Englefield Green Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Englefield Green, Runnymede, Surrey, England, TW20 0PQ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Englefield Green Bonfire Night