Petersham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Petersham poster

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

What should you know about Petersham's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was there.

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament said 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 to light bonfires.

We went to the bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly 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 event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebration of the night.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are 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.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is obvious 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 way.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Petersham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Petersham, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, Greater London, England, TW10 7ED, United Kingdom

Organiser: Petersham Bonfire Night