New Mills Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in New Mills poster

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

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

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

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

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Derbyshire.

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 because of the focus on having fun.

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

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in costumes and 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, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events end with a large bonfire and a firework display.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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.

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:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • 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 the 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.
  • It is very common for 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 paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are many 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.

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

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

In the end

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

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 over the years it has shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

New Mills Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, England, SK22 3BN, United Kingdom

Organiser: New Mills Bonfire Night