Henley Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Henley's bonfire night?

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

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

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

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement 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.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Somerset, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community-focused event over the years.

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

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things that are 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 as well.

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

Traditions associated with the night.

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

It is obvious 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 way.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great place 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 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 in a costume.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some traditions that exist:

• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
• The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the 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 tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

Over the years it has impressed people.

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

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

Henley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Henley, High Ham, South Somerset, Somerset, England, TA10 9BG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Henley Bonfire Night