Pomphlett Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Pomphlett poster

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

What should you know about Pomphlett's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this 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 blow up the parliament in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the 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 restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of great 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, as well as smaller events.

A lot of people think that Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. 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.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well, and these are eaten throughout the country.

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

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 with a classical touch is usually the best way to go here.

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

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.

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 over the years it has shifted towards being 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 many years.

Pomphlett Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pomphlett Lake, Oreston, Plymouth, England, PL9 7HP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pomphlett Bonfire Night