Sidmouth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sidmouth poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

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 and also blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the Bonfire Night ever since.

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

At that time, Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics with the vision that only an armed struggle would reinstate Catholicism to the rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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 by firework manufacturers because of the focus on having fun.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

It has 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 will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • 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 fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great 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 best way to go here.

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

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

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

It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include 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 a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and other items are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year

It's a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

Over the years, it has been one of those things that have impressed people.

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 event to continue for a long time.

Sidmouth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sidmouth, East Devon, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sidmouth Bonfire Night