Somercotes Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Somercotes poster

Every year in Somercotes, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Derbyshire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Somercotes?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's 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 by reading this 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 it is a way to celebrate Bonfire Night.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

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

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many places in the UK.

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 or the Fireworks Night" because the focus was on having fun.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing happening.

There are lots of foods associated with the 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 even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with other family members.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good 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.

There are some traditions:

  • 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 to buy fireworks. 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.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

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

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 years and years to come.

Somercotes Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Somercotes CP, Amber Valley, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Somercotes Bonfire Night