Sheringham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sheringham poster

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

What should you know about Sheringham's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with 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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and 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.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The 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. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels 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.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the biggest displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a fictional character. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is often 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.

At the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people 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.

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

Sheringham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sheringham, North Norfolk, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sheringham Bonfire Night