Stourbridge Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stourbridge poster

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

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

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

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 by reading this short article.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

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

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

However, a conspiracy member ended up getting cold feet and he sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful for it.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

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

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

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

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

It's 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 events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. There are some people who cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is 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 parts of the country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of 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 that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

At the end

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

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Stourbridge Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stourbridge, Dudley, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, DY8 1DN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stourbridge Bonfire Night