Sidley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sidley poster

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

What should you know about Sidley's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible celebration over the years.

Why do people love this event so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this 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, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually lead 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 its sinister origins.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

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

There are attractions during the night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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

Common traditions are here:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and 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 a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

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

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

Sidley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sidley, Combe Valley Way, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, Rother, East Sussex, England, TN39 5BF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sidley Bonfire Night