Southwater Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southwater poster

Every year in Southwater, 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 Southwater's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

But 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 moments.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

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 to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

In the countryside, you usually 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 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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

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

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

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

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

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

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

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

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

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Southwater Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southwater Bonfire Night