Southall Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southall poster

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

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

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

Why do people love this event so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick recap.

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.

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

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but was cold feet.

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

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

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community-focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the items 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.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

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

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Bottom line

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

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

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

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

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

Southall Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southall, London, Greater London, England, UB1 1SG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southall Bonfire Night