Hartley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Hartley poster

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

What should you know about Hartley's bonfire night?

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

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king because he was there.

A conspiracy member was cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Kent, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's 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.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by 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 also be able 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 traditions that are common:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort 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 scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become 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 a long time.

Hartley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hartley, Sevenoaks, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hartley Bonfire Night