Hillingdon Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have been adopted as an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these events?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

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

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.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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.

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.

Some traditions are common:

• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
• It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
• "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

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

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.

Bottom line

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years, it has impressed many people.

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

Hillingdon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: London Borough of Hillingdon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hillingdon Bonfire Night