Kirkwall Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Kirkwall?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

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

The Parliament said that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

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

It's clear 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.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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 to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends.

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

• In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
• 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 regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
• Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.

What should you wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes 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 attire.

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

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Bottom line

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being 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.

Kirkwall Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Alba / Scotland, KW15 1DH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Kirkwall Bonfire Night