Streatham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Streatham poster

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

What should you know about Streatham's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these events so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it was a day to be thankful.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are shared with 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, 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.
  • A homemade model of a man is often burned in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the 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, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

In the end

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

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

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

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 good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Streatham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Streatham, London, Greater London, England, SW16 1QR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Streatham Bonfire Night