St Ives Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

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

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been 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.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

Over the years it 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 because of its focus on having fun.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have 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 also be able to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.
• 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 crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting and in preparation for the events.

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

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, and treacle toffee 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 share their soups with friends or family.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People wear costumes and 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, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Summing up

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

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

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

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

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

St Ives Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: St Ives Bonfire Night