Hatherley Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Hatherley, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Gloucestershire.
What should you know about Hatherley's bonfire night?
The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.
Why do people like these festivities so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick overview.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.
This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.
There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.
Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the rightful place.
The people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.
A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.
The conspirators were taken into custody when they learned about the plan.
The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.
The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition of lighting up bonfires.
We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.
There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.
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 at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because it was focused on having fun.
In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.
There are attractions at Bonfire Night
The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.
In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.
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 fireworks for a night to remember.
Here are some traditions that are common:
- The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
- Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
- It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
- During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
- The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
What should you wear?
Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes at Bonfire Night.
It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.
The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for people to show off their winter clothing.
A winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.
A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome and you don't have to dress up in a costume.
Which foods are popular during the night?
The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.
There are many things associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.
These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.
Some families eat soups and share them with friends or other family members.
Traditions associated with the night of bonfires
People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.
This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted 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 a large bonfire.
At the end
Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.
It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some great food.
It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved over the years into a more community-friendly event.
The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.
Hatherley Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Hatherley, Up Hatherley, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, GL51 3JF, United Kingdom
Organiser: Hatherley Bonfire Night
