South Shields Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in South Shields poster

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

What should you know about South Shields's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for a long time.

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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 been celebrating the night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Two people 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.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and 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 hence the tradition to light bonfires.

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

There are some traditions:

  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing 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. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. There is a cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.

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

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the correct 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.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and use fireworks, flaming torches, and sparklers on 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 include a firework display and large bonfire.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years 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 a long time to come.

South Shields Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: South Shields, South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, North East, England, NE33 1NF, United Kingdom

Organiser: South Shields Bonfire Night