Merton Park Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Merton Park, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Greater London we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Merton Park's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert and Guy were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was there.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned about the plan.

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

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

We ended up going to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are experiencing today.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

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, in a safe manner.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of amazing attractions 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.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will 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.

There are some traditions that are common:

• The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions, 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 bonfires are not just 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 people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
• During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

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

Summing up

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

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some 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 shifted towards being 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.

Merton Park Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Merton Park, London Borough of Merton, London, Greater London, England, SW19 3JE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Merton Park Bonfire Night