Shirley Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Shirley, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of West Midlands.

What should you know about Shirley's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these events?

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?

It is 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.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

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

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to its focus on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good 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:

• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
• The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to 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. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
• There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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 throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

This is obviously 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 events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this 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 event to continue for many years.

Shirley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shirley, Haslucks Green Road, Haslucks Green, Solihull, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B90 2NH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shirley Bonfire Night