Kirk Hallam Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kirk Hallam poster

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

What information is important to know about Kirk Hallam's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people love these festivals 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 the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The two supporters 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.

The conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Derbyshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.

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

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

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

This is obviously a clear 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, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

What should you wear at the event?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

It's important to keep in mind 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 and you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, and these are eaten throughout the country.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

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

There are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

In the end

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

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

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved 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 years and years to come.

Kirk Hallam Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kirk Hallam, Erewash, Derbyshire, England, DE7 4NW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kirk Hallam Bonfire Night