Goosewell Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Goosewell poster

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

What should you know about Goosewell's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick overview.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but ended up cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Devon, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night 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.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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.

However, 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “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 tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

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

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is 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, because you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

In the end

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

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

Goosewell Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Goosewell, Plymouth, England, PL9 9EP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Goosewell Bonfire Night