Kettering Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kettering poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Kettering?

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

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king because he was there.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

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

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

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

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

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 include a firework display and large bonfire.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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 have to dress up in a costume.

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually 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 good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, 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.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many different 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 they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved over the years into a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Kettering Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kettering, North Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kettering Bonfire Night