Purfleet on Thames Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Purfleet on Thames poster

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

What should you know about Purfleet on Thames's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have been adopted as an annual event over the years.

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

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

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

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

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to parliament.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community focused event.

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of great 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, but smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Some traditions are common:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • During 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 tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". 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 did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

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

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

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

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

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

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

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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

Purfleet on Thames Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Purfleet-on-Thames, Essex, England, RM19 1NW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Purfleet on Thames Bonfire Night