Lerwick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Lerwick poster

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

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

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event is the Bonfire Night.

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.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Shetland Islands.

Bonfire Night 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 seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, as well as smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. 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 heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Another 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. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.

What should you 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 great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

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 against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than a celebration with fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become 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 many years to come!

Lerwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom

Organiser: Lerwick Bonfire Night