Southcote Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southcote poster

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

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

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

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

There was a lot of anger towards 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 bring about the return of Catholicism to the 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.

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its sinister origins.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are lots of amazing 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.

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.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear 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 large bonfire and a firework display.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great place 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.

In the end

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

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

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

Southcote Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Berkshire Records Office, Castle Crescent, Coley, Reading, England, RG1 6AF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southcote Bonfire Night