Meltham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Meltham poster

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

What should you know about Meltham's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick overview.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.

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

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

We went to the bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

Over the years it 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 due to the focus on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is the fact that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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 in a costume.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with 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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy 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.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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

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

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

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

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.

Meltham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Meltham, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Meltham Bonfire Night