Shellbrook Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Shellbrook, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Leicestershire we gather around the bonfire.
What should you know about Shellbrook's bonfire night?
The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.
What does it mean to people and why do they love these celebrations so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.
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 blow up the parliament.
In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.
What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.
Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring back Catholicism to its rightful place.
Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.
A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.
The other conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.
The Parliament made a public statement 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 therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.
Which led to the Bonfire Night.
Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Leicestershire.
Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.
The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that the focus was on having fun.
The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.
Bonfire Night attractions
You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.
In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.
It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.
With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.
Here are some traditions that are common:
- It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
- The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
- The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
- During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
- Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do 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 lots of foods associated with the event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all associated with Bonfire Night.
Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.
It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or other family members.
What should you wear on Bonfire Night?
Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on Bonfire Night.
It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.
Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.
Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with aclassical touch is usually the right way to go here.
A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.
The Bonfire Night has traditions.
During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.
This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.
Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.
Conclusion
Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year
It is a great time for people to celebrate and enjoy some great food.
People have been impressed by it over the years.
Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become 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.
Shellbrook Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Shellbrook, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Blackfordby, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire, England, LE65 2UJ, United Kingdom
Organiser: Shellbrook Bonfire Night
