Peacehaven Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Peacehaven poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Peacehaven?

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

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

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

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like East Sussex.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during 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 or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions during the night.

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

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

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

You will be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for 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.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • There’s also 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 made to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

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

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

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some great 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 it has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Peacehaven Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Peacehaven, Lewes, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Peacehaven Bonfire Night