Leyton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Leyton poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

But what does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity 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 and also blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

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

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

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

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament said that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

The celebration was renamed 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 similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

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

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and 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.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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 good 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying 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 did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. 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 tasty.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

In the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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 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 years and years to come.

Leyton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Leyton, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London, Greater London, England, E10 5AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Leyton Bonfire Night