Swaythling Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Swaythling poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is a common association with 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 celebrated it ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but was cold feet.

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

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

Also, the Parliament chose to declare the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for, and hence the tradition to light up bonfires.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear to the event?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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.

There are some common traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

Conclusion

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Swaythling Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Swaythling Road, Chartwell Green, West End, Eastleigh, Hampshire, England, SO18 3LD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Swaythling Bonfire Night