Huntingdon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Huntingdon poster

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

What should you know about Huntingdon's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual celebration.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate Bonfire Night.

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

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who wanted an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because the focus was on having fun.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

Here are some traditions:

  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model 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.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas, 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 aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on 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 wear.

It's important to keep in mind that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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 up.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this 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 the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Huntingdon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Huntingdon Bonfire Night