Epsom Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Epsom poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Epsom?

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

But what does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with 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 in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament stated 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 led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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 that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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 as a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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.

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

Epsom Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Epsom, Epsom and Ewell, Surrey, England, KT19 8DX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Epsom Bonfire Night