Gourock Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Gourock poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Gourock?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities 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 the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king because 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.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of the event are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during the night.

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

In the countryside, you mostly 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-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up 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 cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

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

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

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.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear 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.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and other items are 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.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

Bottom line

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become 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 years and years to come!

Gourock Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Gourock, Inverclyde, Alba / Scotland, PA19 1QU, United Kingdom

Organiser: Gourock Bonfire Night