Old Colwyn Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Old Colwyn poster

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

What should you know about Old Colwyn's bonfire night?

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

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with this quick list.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of the event.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being intolerant against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two people 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 member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament made a statement and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

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.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the night.

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

It's clear that this is a 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 Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

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 also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time 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 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 weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years it has impressed people.

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.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time to come.

Old Colwyn Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Old Colwyn, Conwy, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Old Colwyn Bonfire Night