Mountain Ash Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Mountain Ash poster

Every year in Mountain Ash, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

What information is important to know about Mountain Ash's Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Conclusion

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

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.

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.

Mountain Ash Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cymru / Wales, CF45 4EY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Mountain Ash Bonfire Night