Thames Ditton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Thames Ditton poster

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

What should you know about Thames Ditton's bonfire night?

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more similar to what we are experiencing today.

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is clear that this is a 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 way.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are some great 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, but there are also smaller events.

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 enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Another 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 to buy fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.

What are you going to wear for the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes on Bonfire Night

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is the fact that 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.

Bottom line

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

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

It is one of the events that have 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.

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

Thames Ditton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Thames Ditton, Elmbridge, Surrey, England, KT7 0RW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Thames Ditton Bonfire Night