Polegate Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Polegate poster

Every year in Polegate, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of East Sussex we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Polegate?

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

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the catholics.

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

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

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

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time 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, even though you don't have to dress up in a costume.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among 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 people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

This is obviously a clear 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

Conclusion

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years, it's 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 become 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.

Polegate Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Polegate, Wealden, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Polegate Bonfire Night