Northampton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Northampton poster

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

What should you know about Northampton's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

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 considered to be racist against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

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

The other conspirators were also taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

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

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 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • "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 fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing 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. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebration of the night.

There are lots of 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

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

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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.

Northampton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Northampton, Ombersley, Wychavon, Worcestershire, England, WR9 0LJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Northampton Bonfire Night