Northam Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Northam poster

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

What information is important to know about Northam's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people love these things so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it 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 wanted an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but he was cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

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

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

In locations like Devon, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

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

Yes, 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.

You will also get to enjoy 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:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. 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. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some 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.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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 good time 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 correct way to go here.

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event 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 many years to come.

Northam Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Northam, Torridge, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Northam Bonfire Night