Long Ashton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Long Ashton poster

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

What should you know about Long Ashton's bonfire night?

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

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because he wanted 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 seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

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.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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.

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes during 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.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

A lot of people think that 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for 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 planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come 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 eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

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

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.

Long Ashton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Long Ashton, A370, Yanley, Long Ashton, North Somerset, England, BS41 9LP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Long Ashton Bonfire Night