Handsworth Wood Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Handsworth Wood, 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 Wood's bonfire night?
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.
Why do people love these events so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.
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.
This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.
There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.
Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to the rightful place.
They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The plan was to kill the king because he was there.
However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.
The conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.
The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.
The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.
We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.
In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.
Over the years, 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 because of its focus on having fun.
The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.
There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.
People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on 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, but in a safe manner.
The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and large bonfire.
What should you wear to the events?
Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes on Bonfire Night.
This is in preparation for the events, and it is quite interesting.
The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity 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 way to go here.
A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.
Which foods are popular during the night?
As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only 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 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.
Some families share soups with friends or other family members.
Bonfire Night attractions
You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.
Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.
It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.
You will get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.
There are some traditions that are common:
- There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
- Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
- The 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 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.
- The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
- Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
Bottom line
Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.
It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great foods.
It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event 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 event to continue for many years to come!
Handsworth Wood Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Handsworth Wood, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B20 2AU, United Kingdom
Organiser: Handsworth Wood Bonfire Night
