Hastings Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Hastings poster

Every year in Hastings, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Somerset we gather around the bonfire.

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

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick recap.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

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

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

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

The member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

The conspirators were taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that the focus was on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with 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.

However, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • 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 old clothes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition 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 to blow up Parliament.

What should you wear?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

This is obviously 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 include a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

At the end

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

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

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

Hastings Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hastings, Ashill, South Somerset, Somerset, England, TA19 9LR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hastings Bonfire Night