Sunbury on Thames Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Sunbury on Thames poster

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

What information is important to know about Sunbury on Thames's Bonfire Night?

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event over the years is the Bonfire Night.

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that 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 bonfire. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.

What should you wear?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here and something to keep in mind.

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

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Conclusion

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that 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 event to continue for years and years to come.

Sunbury on Thames Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Sunbury on Thames Bonfire Night