Kirkdale Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Kirkdale poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

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 seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

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

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

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in 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 at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because the focus was on having fun.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are 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 like minded people.

You will be able 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 that are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, 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 lot of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in 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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

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 over the years.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Kirkdale Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kirkdale, Marsh Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool, Liverpool City Region, England, L20 2BN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kirkdale Bonfire Night