Street Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Street poster

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

What should you know about Street's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these celebrations?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

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

The people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.

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

The other conspirators were also 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 make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things that 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’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

It is an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

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

Bonfire Night attractions

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 being 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.

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

There are some common traditions:

  • There are firework displays all over the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
  • During the processions of Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

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

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

Street Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Street, Mendip, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Street Bonfire Night