Greenhill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Greenhill poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick list.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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 the UK.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the 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 that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by 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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

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 plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People wear costumes and 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.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on during the night.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance 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 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.

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Greenhill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Greenhill, Herne Bay, Kent, England, CT6 7PY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Greenhill Bonfire Night