Mitcham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Mitcham poster

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

What should you know about Mitcham's bonfire night?

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

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick recap.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of that attempt.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

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

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night 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.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

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

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with 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 people.

You will get to see 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:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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

Mitcham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Mitcham, London Borough of Merton, London, Greater London, England, CR4 3NA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Mitcham Bonfire Night