Penkhull Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Penkhull poster

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

What should you know about Penkhull's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few moments.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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 anti-Catholic.

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

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

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

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

We traveled to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

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

It's 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 large bonfire and a firework display.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are commonly 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 as well.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit 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 wear a costume.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many great attractions and events 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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make 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. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

Bottom line

Bonfire Night has become a staple event over the years, and it continues every year.

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

It has impressed many 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 many years to come!

Penkhull Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England, ST5 1PS, United Kingdom

Organiser: Penkhull Bonfire Night