Kidlington Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kidlington poster

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

What should you know about Kidlington's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

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

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up cold feet.

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed 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 like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events 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.

It 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 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:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all related to the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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 from the cold is more than welcome.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it shifted towards being 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 years and years to come!

Kidlington Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kidlington, Cherwell, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kidlington Bonfire Night