High Town Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in High Town poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful for.

We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused 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:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

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

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

Most of the time, these events end with a large bonfire and firework display.

At the end

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

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

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

Even if the origins of this 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 many years to come.

High Town Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: University of Bedfordshire, Church Street, Park Town, Luton, England, LU1 3JU, United Kingdom

Organiser: High Town Bonfire Night