Stanway Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stanway poster

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

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

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

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few moments.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement 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 to light up bonfires.

We went to the bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

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

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes during Bonfire Night.

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

Yes, 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.
  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people cook soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • There's a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

There are traditions associated with the night.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 manner.

Most of the time, there is a large bonfire and a firework display.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and it continues every year.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

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

Stanway Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stanway, Colchester, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stanway Bonfire Night