Gunton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Gunton poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these festivities?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

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 blow up the parliament.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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 cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Suffolk, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. There are kids that 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.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • 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 into old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Conclusion

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

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

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

The most important part of Bonfire Night is happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Gunton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Gunton Meadow, Leisure Way, Lowestoft, Corton, East Suffolk, Suffolk, England, NR32 4NW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Gunton Bonfire Night