New Alresford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in New Alresford poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in New Alresford?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love this event so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament made a statement 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 of lighting up bonfires.

We ended up going to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

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 due to the focus on having fun.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

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

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

In the end

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

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

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

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

New Alresford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: New Alresford, Winchester, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: New Alresford Bonfire Night