Ilminster Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ilminster poster

Every year in Ilminster, 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 Ilminster's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

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

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

The people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a statement 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.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that the focus was on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events 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-focused event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get 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:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. 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 are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be 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.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing 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 is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

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

Ilminster Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ilminster, South Somerset, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ilminster Bonfire Night