Shipley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shipley poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You can also 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. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

It is clear that this is a 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 way.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening on the night.

There are a lot of things 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 throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.

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

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

Shipley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shipley, Horsham, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shipley Bonfire Night