Portishead Bonfire Night 2022

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

What information is important to know about Portishead's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes during 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, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing 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.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night is now 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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

• The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
• The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions 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 tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

The Bonfire Night is a great place for people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to travel 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 become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

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.

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

Portishead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Portishead, North Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Portishead Bonfire Night