Skelmersdale Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Skelmersdale poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick list.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

At that time, 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 that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

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

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

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

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

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

In places like Lancashire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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 the focus on having fun.

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

Traditions associated with the 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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

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

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 be able to 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:

  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

In fact, things like the jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are widely 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 soups and share them with friends or other family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a yearly event.

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event 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.

Skelmersdale Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, Lancashire, England, WN8 6ES, United Kingdom

Organiser: Skelmersdale Bonfire Night