Salisbury Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Salisbury poster

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

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

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

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 Bonfire Nights ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared 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.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, as well as 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 also be able to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are many different foods 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 for the 5th of November.

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

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

It is one of the things that have impressed people over the years.

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.

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

Salisbury Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Salisbury Bonfire Night