Pontypool Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Pontypool poster

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

What should you know about Pontypool's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual celebration.

So why do people love 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 a common association with 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 Bonfire Night.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Torfaen, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of the focus on having fun.

The event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

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

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

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all related to the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of the 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 parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Pontypool Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pontypool, Torfaen, Cymru / Wales, NP4 8AT, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pontypool Bonfire Night