Rhondda Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Rhondda poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Rhondda?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated 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 its rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation 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 therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of things associated with this 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 around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

What should you wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

Large bonfires and local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Summing up

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

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

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

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.

Rhondda Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, Glan-Y-Llyn, Cwm Clydach, Clydach Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cymru / Wales, CF40 2XX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Rhondda Bonfire Night