Gowerton Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Gowerton's bonfire night?

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated 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 that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

The conspirators were taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful for it.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many 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.

Yes, 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 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.

Here are some traditions that exist:

• It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
• In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come 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 Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order 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.
• There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and family.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a Classical touch is usually 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.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

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

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

Gowerton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Gowerton, Swansea, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Gowerton Bonfire Night