Thatcham Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Thatcham poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

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 considered to be racist against the Catholics.

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

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here once they learned about it.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

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

We went to the bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

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 on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers at 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 Bonfire Night events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people cook 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 people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are likely to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

In the end

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.

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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

Thatcham Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Thatcham, West Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Thatcham Bonfire Night