Pollokshields Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Pollokshields poster

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

What should you know about Pollokshields's bonfire night?

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

But what does it signify and why do people love 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 a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

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

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

The parliament shared 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 for.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

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

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear to the events?

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

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

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

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

You don’t have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are attractions during the night.

There are many amazing attractions 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-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You can also enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just 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 in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.

In the end

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

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

The event has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it 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.

Pollokshields Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pollokshields, Glasgow, Glasgow City, Alba / Scotland, G41 5HW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pollokshields Bonfire Night