Great Dunmow Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Great Dunmow poster

Every year in Great Dunmow, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Essex we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Great Dunmow?

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

Why do people love these events?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity 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, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night 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 bring Catholicism back 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 assassinate him.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful.

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

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find many amazing attractions and events 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-focused event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy 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:

  • 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 old clothes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of 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. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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 end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods 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.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with other family members.

Bottom line

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

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

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

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!

Great Dunmow Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Great Dunmow, Uttlesford, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Great Dunmow Bonfire Night