Horley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Horley poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Horley?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with 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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

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

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, and these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

However, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Horley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Horley, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Horley Bonfire Night