North Berwick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in North Berwick poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in North Berwick?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating 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 restore Catholicism to the rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

The conspiracy member got cold feet and 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 shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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 due to its focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

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

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will be able 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 exist:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country have the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • 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 cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Conclusion

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become 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 a long time.

North Berwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: North Berwick, East Lothian, Alba / Scotland, EH39 4HE, United Kingdom

Organiser: North Berwick Bonfire Night