Leatherhead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Leatherhead poster

Every year in Leatherhead, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Surrey we gather around the bonfire.

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

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible celebration over the years.

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

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

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 and also blow up the parliament in the UK.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

A group of people 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.

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

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

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also 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 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is one of the more interesting traditions. 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 country 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 tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • 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. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebration of the night.

There are lots of things 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this 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 Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Leatherhead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Leatherhead, Mole Valley, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Leatherhead Bonfire Night