Southend on Sea Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southend on Sea poster

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

What information is important to know about Southend on Sea's Bonfire Night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

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 with this quick list.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to the rightful place.

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

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation, shared the fact 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 to light bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

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

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

What should you wear to the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for people to show off their winter clothes.

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

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

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by 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 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 traditions that are common:

  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort 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. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. 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. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and toffee apples are all 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.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or family members.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed many people.

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

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

Southend on Sea Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: South Essex College, Luker Road, Southend City Centre Neighbourhood, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, England, SS1 1ND, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southend on Sea Bonfire Night