Fordbridge Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Fordbridge poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Fordbridge?

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

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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 the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king, who was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

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 looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for 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 planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and 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.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event 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.

Fordbridge Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Fordbridge, Kingshurst, Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Fordbridge Bonfire Night