Shelley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shelley poster

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

What should you know about Shelley's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been 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 bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

Two 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 sent a letter to the parliament, however, he got cold feet.

The conspirators were taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement stating that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

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

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • One 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 regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. Some people 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 bonfires. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is typically the right way to go here.

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Bottom line

Bonfire Night has become a staple event over the years, and it continues every year.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some food.

Over the years, it has impressed many people.

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

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

Shelley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shelley, Ongar, Chipping Ongar, Epping Forest, Essex, England, CM5 0HQ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shelley Bonfire Night