Saltash Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Saltash poster

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

What should you know about Saltash's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivities?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

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

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of Bonfire Night activities.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its origins being sinister.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

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

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • 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.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or other family members.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and 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, a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes during Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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 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 a long time.

Saltash Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Saltash, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Saltash Bonfire Night