Kings Hill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kings Hill poster

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

What should you know about Kings Hill's bonfire night?

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

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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 return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

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

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Kent, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many 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 event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able 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:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • 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 to buy fireworks. In some regions you can even find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on 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 outfits.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event.

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

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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!

Kings Hill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kings Hill, Tonbridge and Malling, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kings Hill Bonfire Night