Norton Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Norton, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Swansea.
What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Norton?
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.
Why do people love these celebrations?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick overview.
Why do we celebrate 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.
This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.
There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.
Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to the rightful place.
Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.
A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, however, he got cold feet.
The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.
The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.
The Parliament decided that the 5th of November was a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.
We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.
In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.
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 to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.
As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.
The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.
People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.
This is a clear 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 manner.
The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.
Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?
The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.
There are many things associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the items associated with the Bonfire Night.
These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared for the 5th of November.
It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or family members.
Bonfire Night attractions
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 by 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.
However, you will also get 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:
- During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
- The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
- The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
- It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
- 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 firework displays and bonfires.
What should you wear?
Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.
It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.
Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.
A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.
You don’t have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold weather is more than welcome.
In the end
Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.
It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.
The event has impressed many people over the years.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into 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.
Norton Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Norton, Mumbles, Swansea, Cymru / Wales, SA3 5TP, United Kingdom
Organiser: Norton Bonfire Night
