Marlborough Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Marlborough poster

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

What should you know about Marlborough's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

What is the tradition of the 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.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he was cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned of 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 therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community and smaller events.

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 get to see 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 are common:

  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but 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 a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

Traditions associated with the 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 the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

Bottom line

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

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

The event has impressed many people over the years.

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

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

Marlborough Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Marlborough, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Marlborough Bonfire Night