Raynes Park Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Raynes Park poster

Every year in Raynes Park, 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 Raynes Park's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found 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 due to the focus on having fun.

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

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes.

It is obvious that this is a 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.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

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

However, 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 that exist:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. 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 tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. You can find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

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 against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are popular during the night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has shifted towards being 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.

Raynes Park Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Raynes Park, Coombe Lane, Cottenham Park, Raynes Park, London Borough of Merton, London, Greater London, England, SW20 0AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Raynes Park Bonfire Night