Siddal Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Siddal poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those 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 a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 people.

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

Some traditions are common:

  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. 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.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy 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 then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on 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, in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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 great opportunity for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it became 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 to come!

Siddal Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Siddal, Bank Top, Calderdale, West Yorkshire, England, HX3 9DG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Siddal Bonfire Night