Neath Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Neath poster

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

What should you know about Neath's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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 Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

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

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

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

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because of the focus on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of 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.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for 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.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People in costumes 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 as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this to continue for years and years to come.

Neath Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Neath, Maes Yr Haf Road, Cimla, Neath, Neath Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, SA11 1DA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Neath Bonfire Night