Putney Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Putney poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate 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.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating 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 Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are experiencing today.

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during 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, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, and these are eaten throughout the country.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community focused 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.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Putney Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Putney, London, Greater London, England, SW15 1RG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Putney Bonfire Night