Haywards Heath Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Haywards Heath poster

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

What should you know about Haywards Heath's bonfire night?

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event over the years is the Bonfire Night.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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 restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like West Sussex, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to travel 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 traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night 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 fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

Summing up

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

The event has impressed many 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.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Haywards Heath Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Haywards Heath, Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Haywards Heath Bonfire Night