Ferryhill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ferryhill poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Ferryhill?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

What does it mean to people and why do they love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

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

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

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People parade in 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, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

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

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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 at Bonfire Night

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

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

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become 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 many years to come.

Ferryhill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ferryhill, County Durham, North East, England, DL17 8DR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ferryhill Bonfire Night