Newbury Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Newbury?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

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 bring back Catholicism to its rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

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

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

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

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 traditions that are common:

• Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
• The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use 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 as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event, and continues every year.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing 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 over the years the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

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

Newbury Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Newbury, West Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Newbury Bonfire Night