Merthyr Tydfil Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Merthyr Tydfil poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Merthyr Tydfil?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

Why do people love these events?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate Bonfire Night.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

A group of supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

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

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

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You can also 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:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You can find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • 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 heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

In the end

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 great foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed 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!

Merthyr Tydfil Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Merthyr Tydfil, Cymru / Wales, CF47 8LA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Merthyr Tydfil Bonfire Night