Southwell Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southwell poster

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

What should you know about Southwell's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned of the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

The UK has a lot of Bonfire Night activities.

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

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.

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

There are attractions at 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 with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. 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.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

If you want to protect yourself against the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

People 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 as a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

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 all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

At the end

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

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

It is one of the events that has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the 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 many years to come.

Southwell Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southwell CP, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southwell Bonfire Night