Stornoway Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Stornoway, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Na h-Eileanan Siar.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Stornoway?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

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

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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 after that.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years it has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

• The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some areas 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 from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• 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.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has evolved 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 go on for many years to come.

Stornoway Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Steòrnabhagh, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Alba / Scotland, HS1 2DB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stornoway Bonfire Night