Harefield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Harefield poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

Why do people love this event so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate Bonfire Night.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.

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 to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus is on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually 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.

You will also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

In the end

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 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’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time.

Harefield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Harefield, Romsey Extra, Crampmoor, Test Valley, Hampshire, England, SO51 7RF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Harefield Bonfire Night