Maidstone Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Maidstone's bonfire night?

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after 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 light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing 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.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night is now 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 common traditions:

• 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. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are 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 share their soups with friends.

At the end

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

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some amazing foods.

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into 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!

Maidstone Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Maidstone, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Maidstone Bonfire Night