Ockbrook Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ockbrook poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

Why do people 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 quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over 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 by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during 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.

Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What should you wear?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great place for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.

There are attractions at 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 by the community.

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 get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Bottom line

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

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

Ockbrook Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ockbrook, Erewash, Derbyshire, England, DE72 3TL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ockbrook Bonfire Night