Monmouth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Monmouth poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Monmouth?

Over the years the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

Why do people love these events?

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

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, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

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

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

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

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here once they learned about it.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and 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.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Monmouthshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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

You will get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People parade in 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.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebrations of the night.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all 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 soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear?

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 time for most people to show off their winter wear.

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

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

Summing up

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 amazing foods.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that 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.

Monmouth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Cymru / Wales, NP25 3UZ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Monmouth Bonfire Night