Hitchin Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Hitchin poster

Every year in Hitchin, 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 Hitchin's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he was cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

Bonfire Night 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 the focus on having fun.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

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 clothes.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold is more than welcome.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with 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.

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

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before 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.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.

In the end

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became 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.

Hitchin Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hitchin, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, England, SG5 1BB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hitchin Bonfire Night