Shinfield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shinfield poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Shinfield?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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 the UK.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

A group of supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

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

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 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are 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 with the community, although smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by 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 Bonfire Nights. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very delicious.
  • 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 did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • 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 for blowing up the Parliament building.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing food.

It is one of the things that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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.

Shinfield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shinfield, Wokingham, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shinfield Bonfire Night