Perry Barr Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Perry Barr poster

Every year in Perry Barr, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of West Midlands we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Perry Barr's bonfire night?

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

Why do people like these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted 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 because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement regarding the situation and shared 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 of lighting up bonfires.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In places like West Midlands, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event 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 on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

It's 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for 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.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is the fact 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 weather is more than welcome.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

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 food.

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

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

Perry Barr Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B42 2TY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Perry Barr Bonfire Night