Pontardawe Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Pontardawe?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

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

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In locations like Neath Port Talbot, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

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

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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 also get 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 traditions:

• Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
• The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
• The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but 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 in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

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

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

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.

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

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

Pontardawe Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, SA8 4HD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pontardawe Bonfire Night