Loanhead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Loanhead poster

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

What should you know about Loanhead's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

What is a common association with 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.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the news 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 lead us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus is on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are 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-focused event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to see 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:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just 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 associated with the Bonfire Night

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

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or other family members.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Loanhead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Loanhead, Midlothian, Alba / Scotland, EH20 9RG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Loanhead Bonfire Night