Harold Wood Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Harold Wood?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is a common association with 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 it ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would 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.

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

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

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

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

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Greater London, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and family.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It's clear 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.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a great time 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.

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

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
• Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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.

At the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

The event has impressed many people over the years.

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

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

Harold Wood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Harold Wood, London Borough of Havering, London, Greater London, England, RM3 0LP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Harold Wood Bonfire Night