Sandhurst Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sandhurst poster

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

What should you know about Sandhurst's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible celebration over the years.

Why do people love these things so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity 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 of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament made a statement regarding 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 hence the tradition to light bonfires.

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night 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 by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • 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 see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • There are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some parts of the country 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 foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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 or 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.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

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

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

Sandhurst Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sandhurst Avenue, Berkshire Downs, eThekwini Ward 21, Clermont, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, 3620, South Africa

Organiser: Sandhurst Bonfire Night