Govan Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Govan poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Govan?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

Why do people love these events 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 the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because he wanted to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

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 restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated 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 all associated with Bonfire Night.

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

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

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

There are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on 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.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What should you wear?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for people to show off their winter clothes.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has shifted towards being 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 many years to come.

Govan Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Govan, Glasgow, Glasgow City, Alba / Scotland, G51 3NJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Govan Bonfire Night