Gosport Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Gosport poster

Every year in Gosport, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Hampshire.

What should you know about Gosport's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick recap.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after he got cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Hampshire.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The 20th century event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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

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

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

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do 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 event, where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • 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 straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there 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 for blowing up the Parliament building.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this to continue for many years to come.

Gosport Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Gosport, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Gosport Bonfire Night