Sopwell Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sopwell poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king as he was in attendance.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community event over the years.

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

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 also be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is the fact 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, because you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at Bonfire Night.

It's clear that this is a 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.

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

At the end

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

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

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Sopwell Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sopwell, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, AL1 2HS, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sopwell Bonfire Night