Smallthorne Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Smallthorne poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

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

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

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

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned about the plan.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared for the 5th of November.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

You're going to find a lot of 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, although smaller events also take place.

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 also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • "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 did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have firework displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

What are you going to wear for the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes for Bonfire Night.

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved 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 many years to come.

Smallthorne Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Staffordshire Funeral Directors, High Lane, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, England, ST6 1BN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Smallthorne Bonfire Night