Stevenage Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stevenage poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible celebration over the years.

Why do 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 recap.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night.

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

It is obvious 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 way.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

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

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually 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 good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy 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.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for people to show off their winter clothing.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people and is one of those events.

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

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

Stevenage Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stevenage Bonfire Night