Kendal Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kendal poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Kendal?

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

So why do people 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 quick article.

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 the event.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and 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 to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with 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 get to see 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:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. 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 Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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

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

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

This is obviously 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.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than a celebration with fireworks.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

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

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

Summing up

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 foods.

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it 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 many years to come!

Kendal Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kendal, South Lakeland, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kendal Bonfire Night