Greenmeadow Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Greenmeadow poster

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

What should you know about Greenmeadow's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have been adopted as an annual event over the years.

What does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king as he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for 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.

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold is more than welcome.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires and local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy 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 a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • 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.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into 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 to continue for years and years to come.

Greenmeadow Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Greenmeadow, Upper Cwmbran, Cwmbran, Torfaen, Cymru / Wales, NP44 5UH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Greenmeadow Bonfire Night