Lee Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Lee poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have been adopted as an annual event over the years.

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

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

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

A member of the conspiracy got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of Bonfire Night activities.

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

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

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, there are usually 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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • 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 the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold is more than welcome.

At the end

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

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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.

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

Lee Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Lee, London, Greater London, England, SE3 9DJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Lee Bonfire Night