Royal Wootton Bassett Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Royal Wootton Bassett poster

Every year in Royal Wootton Bassett, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Wiltshire we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Royal Wootton Bassett's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

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

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

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is quite interesting.

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 a good way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

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 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:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. 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.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

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

Royal Wootton Bassett Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Royal Wootton Bassett Bonfire Night