Minehead Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Minehead's bonfire night?

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

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

The member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public 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 in order to be thankful.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during 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.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for 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 wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually 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 event where everyone has a good 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
• Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become 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!

Minehead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Minehead, Somerset West and Taunton, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Minehead Bonfire Night