Orsett Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Orsett poster

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

What should you know about Orsett's bonfire night?

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

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

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

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

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus being on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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 protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not just 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 crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

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

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

In the end

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

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

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

Orsett Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Orsett End, Basildon, Essex, England, SS14 2NH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Orsett Bonfire Night