Erskine Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Erskine poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Erskine?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this short article.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate 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 after they learned about the plan.

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

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

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of amazing 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, as well as smaller events.

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 get to 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:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

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 connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

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

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

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

Erskine Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Erskine, Renfrewshire, Alba / Scotland, PA8 6HS, United Kingdom

Organiser: Erskine Bonfire Night