Lambeth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Lambeth poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Lambeth?

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

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

The member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned of the plan.

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

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Greater London, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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

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:

  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also 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 tasty.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is obvious 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 way.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are 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 is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and family.

Bottom line

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

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

The event has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Lambeth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Lambeth, London Borough of Lambeth, London, Greater London, England, SE1 7GD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Lambeth Bonfire Night