Pontypridd Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Pontypridd poster

Every year in Pontypridd, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Rhondda Cynon Taf we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Pontypridd's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick list.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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 ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

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

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

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

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK.

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

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

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

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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans 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 in order 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 planning to blow up the Parliament.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use 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 as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing happening.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the things 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 their soups with friends and family members.

What should you wear?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

It's important to keep in mind that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It’s certainly 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 it has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Pontypridd Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Pontypridd Bonfire Night