Reading Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Reading poster

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

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

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

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 following this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the 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 about the return of Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

The firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is obviously 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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

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 there.

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold is more than welcome.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions 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.

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.

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 common traditions:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved over the years 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 many years to come!

Reading Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Reading, South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Reading Bonfire Night