Stratford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stratford poster

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

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

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

So why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick overview.

Why do we celebrate 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 the event.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance so the plan was to kill him.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here after they learned about it.

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations 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 by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because the focus is on having fun.

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is being prepared for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events, food and drinks shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for 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.
  • 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 order to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK 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 clothing.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts 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. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared for the 5th of November.

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

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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 events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing 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 is no denying that over the years it 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 to continue for years and years to come.

Stratford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stratford, Meridian Square, Stratford New Town, London Borough of Newham, London, Greater London, England, E15 1DE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stratford Bonfire Night