Stockton on Tees Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stockton on Tees poster

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

What information is important to know about Stockton on Tees's Bonfire Night?

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

Why do people love these things so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

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

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

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

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community event over the years.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

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

Common traditions are here:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, 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 attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is one of the more interesting traditions. 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the things 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 as well.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes during the Bonfire Night.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

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

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.

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

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

Stockton on Tees Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Durham Road Cemetery, Stockton-on-Tees, Tees Valley, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stockton on Tees Bonfire Night