Great Lever Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Great Lever poster

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

What information is important to know about Great Lever's Bonfire Night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being intolerant against the Catholics.

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

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

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

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

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 be able 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 common traditions:

  • There is a tradition of carrying 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.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

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 foods.

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

Great Lever Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Great Lever, Farnworth, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, BL3 2HR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Great Lever Bonfire Night