Keynsham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Keynsham poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Keynsham?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

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

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

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.

You will get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook 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. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions 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.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

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

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

Keynsham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Keynsham, Bath and North East Somerset, West of England, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Keynsham Bonfire Night