Kelso Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Kelso's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are seeing today.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that 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 large bonfire.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 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 an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
• It is very common for people in the UK 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, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching 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 is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is typically the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

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

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 Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time to come.

Kelso Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kelso, Scottish Borders, Alba / Scotland, TD5 7HG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kelso Bonfire Night