Southgate Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southgate poster

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

What should you know about Southgate's bonfire night?

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

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

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

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him.

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

The conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to its focus on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

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

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

It's important to keep in mind 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 in a costume.

There are attractions during the night.

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some common traditions:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. You can find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People wear 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 way.

Most of the time, these events end with a large bonfire and firework display.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all related to the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

Conclusion

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year

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

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

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.

Southgate Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southgate, Crawley, West Sussex, England, RH11 8QL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southgate Bonfire Night