Gorton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Gorton poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Gorton?

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have 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 popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

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

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

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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 by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because of the focus on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 way.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays.

There are some traditions:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

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

It's important to keep in mind that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Gorton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Gorton, Longford Street, Abbey Hey, Gorton, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M18 8GQ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Gorton Bonfire Night