Steyning Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Steyning poster

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

What should you know about Steyning's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivals so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because he wanted to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement 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 bonfires.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

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

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

It's 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, these Bonfire Night events are culminating with a firework display and a very large bonfire.

What should you wear at the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is probably 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 have to dress up.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are lots of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the people watching the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. All of the effigy is stuffed within old clothes and made out of straw or paper.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

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

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time.

Steyning Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Steyning, Horsham, West Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Steyning Bonfire Night