Peterlee Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Peterlee poster

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

What information is important to know about Peterlee's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

But what is it that makes 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 article.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament made a statement and shared 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.

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Durham, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, and treacle toffee are all 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 eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but 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 enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with clothes.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions, 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 bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of 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 an effort to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Summing up

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

It's a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing 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 the event has evolved into 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!

Peterlee Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Peterlee, County Durham, North East, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Peterlee Bonfire Night