Shortlands Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Shortlands poster

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

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

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

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

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king while he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community-focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are shared with 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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things 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.

What should you wear to 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 good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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 manner.

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

Summing up

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.

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

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

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

Shortlands Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Shortlands, London Borough of Bromley, London, Greater London, England, BR2 0LB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Shortlands Bonfire Night