Knotty Ash Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Knotty Ash poster

Every year in Knotty Ash, 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 Knotty Ash's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful for.

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community-focused event over the years.

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

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among the community.

A lot of people think that 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:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

In the end

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

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 the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event 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 many years to come.

Knotty Ash Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Knotty Ash, Liverpool Loop Line, Knotty Ash, Liverpool, Liverpool City Region, England, L14 1PB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Knotty Ash Bonfire Night