Stanley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stanley poster

Every year in Stanley, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Durham.

What should you know about Stanley's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

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 that attempt.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

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

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

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 by firework manufacturers because of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't need to dress up in a costume.

There are attractions at 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 among the community.

It 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 that are common:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

At the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

It is one of the events that has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it became 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.

Stanley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stanley, County Durham, North East, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stanley Bonfire Night