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 West Sussex we gather around the bonfire.

What information is important to know about Southwick's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the 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, as well as the attempt to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate 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 public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is 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, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 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 traditions:

  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • 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.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.

At 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 enjoy some amazing foods.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event over the years.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Southwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Southwick, Adur, West Sussex, England, BN42 4FY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Southwick Bonfire Night