Kingswood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kingswood poster

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

What should you know about Kingswood's bonfire night?

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

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, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

This happened 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 Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

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

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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.

Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

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 enjoy 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:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • 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. A lot of people heat up soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

At the end

Bonfire Night has become a staple event over the years, and it continues every year.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some food.

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being 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 many years to come.

Kingswood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kingswood, Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, England, KT20 6HS, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kingswood Bonfire Night