Netherton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Netherton poster

Every year in Netherton, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Cumbria we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Netherton's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick overview.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating it ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of 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 and other supporters 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.

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions during the night.

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

It has 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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

There are some common traditions:

  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". 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 tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.

What should you wear to the events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

In 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 eat amazing foods.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed with.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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!

Netherton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Netherton Infant School, Rydal Avenue, Ellenborough, Maryport, Allerdale, Cumbria, England, CA15 7LT, United Kingdom

Organiser: Netherton Bonfire Night