Felling Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Felling poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Felling?

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

So why do 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 quick article.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

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

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

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

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

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

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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 more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are many things 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.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It's clear that this is a 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 manner.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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

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

Felling Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Felling, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, NE10 9NU, United Kingdom

Organiser: Felling Bonfire Night