Shadwell Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shadwell poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

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

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

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities throughout the UK.

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 because of the focus on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are lots of 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, but there are also smaller events.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

However, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

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

It's important to keep in mind that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on 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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

Bottom line

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

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become 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 many years to come.

Shadwell Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shadwell, Cable Street, St. George in the East, Shadwell, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London, England, E1 2QF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shadwell Bonfire Night