Pontefract Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Pontefract poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Pontefract?

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

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 in a few minutes.

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 Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

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

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

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

We went to the bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

Large bonfires and local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 like-minded people.

You will also 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee are just 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

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

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 come together and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years, it has impressed people.

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

Pontefract Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pontefract, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, WF8 1AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pontefract Bonfire Night