Paston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Paston poster

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

What should you know about Paston's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

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

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but 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 as a day to be thankful for.

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 manner.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening.

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

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 prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are supposed 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 watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's 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 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 many years to come!

Paston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Paston, Peterborough, City of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, PE4 7NJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Paston Bonfire Night