Marlow Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Marlow poster

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

What should you know about Marlow'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 the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

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, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating 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 that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

Which, eventually, led us 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 focused event over the years.

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 a lot like what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the night.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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 way.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, and these are eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.

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 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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night is 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 has impressed people.

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

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to go on for many years to come.

Marlow Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Marlow Bonfire Night