Llanelli Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Llanelli poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Llanelli?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned of the plan.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and said 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.

In places like Carmarthenshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its origins being sinister.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly associated with the 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 their friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You will 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 by 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.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. 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 and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit is usually the right way to go here.

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

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence.

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

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

It is one of the events that 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 over the years.

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.

Llanelli Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Llanelli, Sir Gaerfyrddin / Carmarthenshire, Cymru / Wales, SA15 1SA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Llanelli Bonfire Night