Esher Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Esher poster

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

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

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

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.

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

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

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

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

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

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

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 will also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • "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 to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do 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 all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

This approach is in preparation for the events.

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

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, because you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

At the end

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being 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 a long time.

Esher Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Esher, Elmbridge, Surrey, England, KT10 9QU, United Kingdom

Organiser: Esher Bonfire Night