Newhaven Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Newhaven poster

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

What should you know about Newhaven's bonfire night?

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

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate 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 attempt.

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

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after he got cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after 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 therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

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 was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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 way.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one 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.

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

What should you wear to the event?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

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

It's 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.

You will also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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 the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Newhaven Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Newhaven, Lewes, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Newhaven Bonfire Night