Newtown Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Newtown poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Newtown?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the parliament.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about 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.

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

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

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 the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 also be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. There are kids that 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.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Newtown Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Newtown, Powys, Cymru / Wales, SY16 1AQ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Newtown Bonfire Night