Sparkbrook Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sparkbrook poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

In 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of 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 smaller events also take place.

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

There are some traditions:

  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is 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 Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • 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 heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothing.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes.

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

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

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually 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.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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 way.

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

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

Sparkbrook Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sparkbrook, Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B11 1AG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sparkbrook Bonfire Night