Portsea Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Portsea poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Portsea?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

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

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?

It is 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.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time 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.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

The other conspirators were also taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

In preparation for the events, this is 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 the right way to go here.

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.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of 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 all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. 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.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Summing up

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed with.

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

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Portsea Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Portsea View, Bedhampton, Havant, Hampshire, England, PO9 3FE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Portsea Bonfire Night