Oakenshaw Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Oakenshaw poster

Every year in Oakenshaw, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Worcestershire we gather around the bonfire.

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

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but got cold feet.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

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

We went 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 its sinister beginnings.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because of the focus on having fun.

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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 events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

A lot of people think that 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 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity 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 way to go here.

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

In the end

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Oakenshaw Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Oakenshaw, Redditch, Worcestershire, England, B98 7YE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Oakenshaw Bonfire Night