Shenstone Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

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

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by 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 get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

• It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
• The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. 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.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or other family members.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in 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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a large bonfire and a firework display.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

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 years and years to come.

Shenstone Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shenstone Bonfire Night