Hungerford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Hungerford poster

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

What should you know about Hungerford's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

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 return Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament 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 it.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are many different 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 as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

There are attractions during the night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 that are common:

  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

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

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

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Hungerford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hungerford, Hyde, New Forest, Hampshire, England, SP6 2PB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hungerford Bonfire Night