Salem Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Salem poster

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

What should you know about Salem's bonfire night?

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

What is it that people love these festivities 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 the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are seeing today.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

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, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and 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, food and drinks 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.

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.

There are some common traditions:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the 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.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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 other items are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

The Bonfire Night is a great place for people to show off their winter clothing.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to travel here.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

In the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

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.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Salem Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Salem, Austerlands, Moorhey, Lees, Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, OL4 3BE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Salem Bonfire Night