Southbourne Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southbourne poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed on the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate 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 Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the news 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 made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions 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 for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

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 items associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

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 events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

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

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.

Southbourne Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southbourne, Chichester, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southbourne Bonfire Night