Irlam Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Irlam poster

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

What should you know about Irlam's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

Why do people love this event so much?

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

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, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

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

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he got cold feet.

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

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

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

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

There are traditions associated with the 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You will 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 with the community, but smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

However, you will also get 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 common traditions:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. 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 bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It is one of the things that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over time.

The most important part of Bonfire Night is happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Irlam Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester, England, M44 6NT, United Kingdom

Organiser: Irlam Bonfire Night