Radcliffe Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Radcliffe poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Radcliffe?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of the incredible festivities and celebrations.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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 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 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 the rightful place.

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

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

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

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

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Northumberland.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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 manner.

Most of the time, these events end with a firework display and a big bonfire.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation 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 probably the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and 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.

Some families share soups with friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Common traditions are here:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great foods.

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Radcliffe Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Radcliffe, Hauxley, Amble, Northumberland, North of Tyne, England, NE65 0JD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Radcliffe Bonfire Night