Southport Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southport poster

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

What should you know about Southport's bonfire night?

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605 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 Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to the 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 after sending a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.

The Parliament 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 therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

What should you wear?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter outfits.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • 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 with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about 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 team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and 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.

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

In the end

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

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

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it 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 many years to come!

Southport Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southport, London Street, Meols Cop, Southport, Sefton, Liverpool City Region, England, PR9 0TH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southport Bonfire Night