Southwick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Southwick poster

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

What should you know about Southwick's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

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 by reading this quick rundown.

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.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights 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 restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned 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 hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

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

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

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

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

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

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

This is obviously a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

These are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very delicious.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. 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. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

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

Bottom line

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

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time.

Southwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southwick, Mark, Sedgemoor, Somerset, England, TA9 4LH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southwick Bonfire Night