Polmont Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Polmont poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

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 with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

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

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

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement 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 to light bonfires.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The fireworks 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 very similar to what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

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

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

Yes, 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 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.

Here are some common traditions:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Conclusion

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Polmont Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Polmont, Falkirk, Alba / Scotland, FK2 0PX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Polmont Bonfire Night