Erith Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Erith's bonfire night?

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

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

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

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

Which, eventually, led 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 origins.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is typically 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 up in a costume.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

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

Yes, 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 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.

Some traditions are common:

• The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
• The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
• The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. 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.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or family members.

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years, it's one of those events that have impressed people.

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.

Erith Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Erith, London, Greater London, England, DA8 1SP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Erith Bonfire Night