Felpham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Felpham poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

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 here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

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

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of this.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name 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 similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear to the events?

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

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

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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

Some traditions are common:

  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some amazing foods.

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

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

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.

Felpham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Felpham, Arun, West Sussex, England, PO22 7PA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Felpham Bonfire Night