London Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in London poster

Every year in London, 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 London's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people enjoy these festivities 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?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for.

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout the UK.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • There's 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 parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted 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 a large bonfire.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

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

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, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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.

London Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: London Bonfire Night