Smallbridge Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Smallbridge poster

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

What should you know about Smallbridge's bonfire night?

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event is the Bonfire Night.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light bonfires on the 5th of November to be thankful for.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, as well as smaller events.

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will get to see 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 Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just 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 wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

In preparation for the events, this is an interesting approach.

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event over the years.

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.

Smallbridge Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Smallbridge, Milnrow, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, OL16 2QN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Smallbridge Bonfire Night