Hertford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Hertford poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Hertford?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

What is it that makes people love 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 rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

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.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him.

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

The other conspirators were also taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

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, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of great 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.

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

You will be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". 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 parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with the 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event 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 many years to come.

Hertford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hertford, East Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hertford Bonfire Night