Orrell Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Orrell poster

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

What should you know about Orrell's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating 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 and Guy were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

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

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

Which eventually led 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.

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is intriguing. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes during the Bonfire Night.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

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 celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Orrell Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Orrell, Church Street, Higher End, Far Moor, Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, WN5 8TG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Orrell Bonfire Night