Overtown Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Overtown poster

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

What should you know about Overtown's bonfire night?

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

What is it that people love 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 celebrated bonfires ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being intolerant against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament said 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.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the night.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. There are kids that 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.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

The event has 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 has shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Overtown Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Overtown, North Lanarkshire, Alba / Scotland, ML2 0RN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Overtown Bonfire Night