Ilford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ilford poster

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

What information is important to know about Ilford's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

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

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus being on having fun.

The event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is probably 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 wear a costume.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People wear 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, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people, 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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 Bonfire Night. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • 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.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the 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.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

Bottom line

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

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

The event has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into 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.

Ilford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ilford, London, Greater London, England, IG1 1DL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ilford Bonfire Night