Oakham Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Oakham, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Rutland we gather around the bonfire.
What information is important to know about Oakham's Bonfire Night?
An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.
What does it mean to people and why do they love these celebrations so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this.
What is the Bonfire Night associated with?
The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.
This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.
At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.
Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.
The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The plan was to kill the king when he was in attendance.
A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.
The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.
The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared 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.
We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.
There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.
Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.
The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because of the focus on having fun.
The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.
Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?
The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing happening.
There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.
Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.
Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.
Bonfire Night attractions
You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.
In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks 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.
There are some common traditions:
- There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". 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.
- The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
- Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
- Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
- During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.
People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during Bonfire Night.
This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.
Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.
What should you wear?
Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes on Bonfire Night.
In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.
The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter wear.
A winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.
A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.
Conclusion
Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.
It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some food.
Over the years it has impressed many people.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event 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!
Oakham Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Oakham, Rutland, England, United Kingdom
Organiser: Oakham Bonfire Night
