St Stephens Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in St Stephens poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in St Stephens?

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

Why do people love these festivities?

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

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 blow up the parliament in the UK.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

The 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 ended up cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or 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 being shared with the community, as well as smaller events.

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

Here are some traditions:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions you can even find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers during 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 events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Summing up

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has become 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 many years to come.

St Stephens Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: St Stephens, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, AL1 2PU, United Kingdom

Organiser: St Stephens Bonfire Night