Handsworth Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Handsworth's bonfire night?

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

But 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 here.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared 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 often the right way to go here.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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.

Common traditions are here:

• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for 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.
• The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
• The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are lots 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.

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 other family members.

Summing up

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

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

The event has impressed many people over the years.

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

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

Handsworth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Handsworth, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B21 9JZ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Handsworth Bonfire Night