South Yardley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in South Yardley poster

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

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

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

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?

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

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was present and the plan was to kill him.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody.

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

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

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 seeing today.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is 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, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things that are 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 as well.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

Yes, 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 enjoy 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:

  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy 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.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved over the years 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.

South Yardley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: South Yardley Ward, Acocks Green, Yardley, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: South Yardley Bonfire Night