Purley Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Purley, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Greater London we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Purley?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick article.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought 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 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, however, he got cold feet.

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

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

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

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

• There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• There are firework displays all over the country. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team made to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and 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 go.

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

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

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

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became 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!

Purley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Purley, London Borough of Croydon, London, Greater London, England, CR8 2FQ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Purley Bonfire Night