Portswood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Portswood poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love this event so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

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

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November was a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during the night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on during the night.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

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

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

It's clear that this is a 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 manner.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

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

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in 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 get 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 traditions that are common:

  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order 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 to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • 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 heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

In the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

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.

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

Portswood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Portswood Road, Havant, Hampshire, England, PO9 4LZ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Portswood Bonfire Night