Old Swan Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Old Swan poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being 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 supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

The 20th century event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with 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 see 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 are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry 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 for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by 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 people eat on the night of the bonfire. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

It is one of the events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it became 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 many years to come!

Old Swan Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Old Swan Library, Leinster Road, Old Swan, Liverpool, Liverpool City Region, England, L13 5XG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Old Swan Bonfire Night