Spitalfields Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Spitalfields poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

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

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

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

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

What should you wear?

Depending on where you 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.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is probably 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.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and 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 way.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

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.

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.

Common traditions are here:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It 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 to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

At the end

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

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

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

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Spitalfields Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Spitalfields, Whitechapel, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London, England, E1 6EW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Spitalfields Bonfire Night