Houghton-le-Spring Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Houghton-le-Spring poster

Every year in Houghton-le-Spring, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Somerset we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Houghton-le-Spring's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these things 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 tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that 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.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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 in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

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 a lot like what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

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

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress in a costume.

In the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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

Houghton-le-Spring Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, DH4 4DH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Houghton-le-Spring Bonfire Night