Shenfield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shenfield poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations that have been adopted as an annual event over the years.

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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 tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the parliament.

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 he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

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 of the focus on having fun.

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and 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, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most 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.

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.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have 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 good 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had 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 and try to get some 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 tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the 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 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 and family.

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed with.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into 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!

Shenfield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shenfield, Shenfield Station Subway, Shenfield, Brentwood, Essex, England, CM15 8PA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shenfield Bonfire Night