Letchworth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Letchworth poster

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

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

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

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he got cold feet.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

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

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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.

However, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people 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 the bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

Conclusion

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

Letchworth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Letchworth, North Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, England, SG6 3BF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Letchworth Bonfire Night