Glastonbury Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Glastonbury poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Glastonbury?

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

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.

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 anti-Catholic.

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

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

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

It has become a community-focused event where 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions you can even find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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 prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

Traditions associated with the night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed with.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into 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 a long time to come.

Glastonbury Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Glastonbury, Mendip, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Glastonbury Bonfire Night