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 Nottinghamshire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Stanley?

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

What is it that makes people love these events so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

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 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 supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

We went 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 its sinister origins.

The firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 get 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 common traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the biggest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels 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 bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just 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 in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a good 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 the right way to go.

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night 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.

Stanley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stanley, Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England, NG17 3JH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stanley Bonfire Night