Prestonpans Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Prestonpans's bonfire night?

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

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

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 in the UK.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

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 in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

A group of supporters 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 after he got cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

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 looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on 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.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people, 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.

Here are some traditions:

• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
• The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
• There are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, 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. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods 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.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

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

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to 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 evolved into a more community-friendly event.

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

Prestonpans Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Prestonpans, East Lothian, Alba / Scotland, EH32 9AB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Prestonpans Bonfire Night