Knowle Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Knowle poster

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

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 to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are many 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 eat soup and share it with other family members.

What should you wear?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

It 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 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.

There are some traditions:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.

Bottom line

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

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

Knowle Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B93 9NR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Knowle Bonfire Night