Fenham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Fenham poster

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

What should you know about Fenham's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating it ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to parliament.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

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

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Somerset, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

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

It is 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 way.

Most of the time, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 can also 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:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". 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 did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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.

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event, 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 impressed people and is one of those events.

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

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Fenham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, North of Tyne, England, NE4 9YL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Fenham Bonfire Night