Mottingham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Mottingham poster

Every year in Mottingham, 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 the Bonfire Night in Mottingham?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his attempt.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to its focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are 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 as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

This is obviously a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

Yes, 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, like-minded people.

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

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels 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.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. 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. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear at the event?

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

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go, and something to keep in mind.

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

At the end

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed many 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 over the years.

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!

Mottingham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Mottingham, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, Greater London, England, SE9 3NE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Mottingham Bonfire Night