Stretton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Stretton poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Stretton?

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

But what is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

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

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

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

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

Over the years, Bonfire Night 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" because it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with the 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.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do 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 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.

Common traditions are here:

  • "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the 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.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. 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 burn a homemade model of a man. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It is obvious 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 a large bonfire.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

This approach is quite interesting, and it is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

It has impressed people over the years.

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

Stretton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Stretton, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire, England, DE13 0FE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Stretton Bonfire Night