Hungerford Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Hungerford?

The Bonfire Night has become 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 amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with this quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

At that time, Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics with the vision that only an armed struggle would reinstate Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

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 ended up cold feet.

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

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

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.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

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 events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

A lot of people think that 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Some traditions are common:

• Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
• The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the people coming 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 people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• It is 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 group had to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

This approach is quite interesting and 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 something to keep in mind.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

Conclusion

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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

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

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Hungerford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Hungerford, Old Cleeve, Washford, Somerset West and Taunton, Somerset, England, TA23 0JX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Hungerford Bonfire Night