Newbiggin Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Newbiggin poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Newbiggin?

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

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with this 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 blow up the parliament.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

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

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community 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.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, 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.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many things 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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, but in a safe manner.

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

Bottom line

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

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

Newbiggin Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Newbiggin, Blanchland, Northumberland, North of Tyne, England, DH8 9UD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Newbiggin Bonfire Night