Old Oak Common Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Old Oak Common poster

Every year in Old Oak Common, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Greater London we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Old Oak Common's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is a common association with 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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

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

We decided to attend the Bonfire Night.

In places like Greater London, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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 looked very similar to what we are experiencing today.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most 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.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being 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 also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and 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.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great 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 over the years it has become a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Old Oak Common Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Old Oak Common, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, Greater London, England, NW10 6UG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Old Oak Common Bonfire Night