Every year in Skewen, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Neath Port Talbot we gather around the bonfire.
Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.
What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.
It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also to blow up the parliament.
In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire 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 Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.
Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.
The king was in attendance, so the plan was to kill him.
A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.
Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.
The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were punished.
The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.
Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.
Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Neath Port Talbot.
Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.
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.
In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.
You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.
In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being 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 like minded people.
You will get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.
People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes 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 but in a safe manner.
The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.
Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes on Bonfire Night.
It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.
The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter gear.
A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.
A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.
Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.
There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all 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 as well.
Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.
Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.
It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.
It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it 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 to come.
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Skewen, Neath Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, SA10 6DP, United Kingdom
Organiser: Skewen Bonfire Night