Oldbury Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Oldbury poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been 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 with a quick overview.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the 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.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after he got cold feet.

The conspirators were taken into custody when they learned of the plan.

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 in order to be thankful.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during the night.

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Some traditions are common:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear to the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

During 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 way.

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

Conclusion

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event.

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

Oldbury Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Oldbury, Hartshill CP, Ansley Common, North Warwickshire, Warwickshire, England, CV10 0TJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Oldbury Bonfire Night