Preston Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Preston poster

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

What should you know about Preston'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 these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not 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 coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some regions 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.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the things that are 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 as well.

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

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

At the end

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's one of those events that has impressed people.

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Preston Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Preston, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Preston Bonfire Night