Fraserburgh Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Fraserburgh poster

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

What should you know about Fraserburgh's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

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?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

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

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are a lot of amazing attractions 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 good 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:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the 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.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

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

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

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

Bottom line

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

The event has impressed many people over the years.

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 many years to come!

Fraserburgh Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Alba / Scotland, AB43 9DA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Fraserburgh Bonfire Night