Reigate Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Reigate, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Surrey.
What should you know about Reigate's bonfire night?
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.
So 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 in a few easy steps.
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, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.
In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.
There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, 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 it's rightful place.
Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.
The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.
A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.
The other 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 that the 5th of November was a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.
Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.
In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.
Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.
The fireworks 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 similar to what we are seeing today.
There are attractions at Bonfire Night
You will find a lot of great attractions and events in 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-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.
You can also enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.
Some traditions are common:
- It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
- The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
- "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
- The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
- The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
Which foods are common 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 toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.
Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.
It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.
The Bonfire Night has traditions.
People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night
It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.
The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.
What should you wear at the event?
Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on Bonfire Night.
It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.
Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.
Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is probably the right way to go here.
You don't have to dress up in a costume but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.
Conclusion
Every year, Bonfire Night continues as 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 people have been impressed with.
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 to continue for years and years to come.
Reigate Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Reigate, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, England, RH2 0AA, United Kingdom
Organiser: Reigate Bonfire Night
