Thornton Heath Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Thornton Heath poster

Every year in Thornton Heath, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Greater London.

What should you know about Thornton Heath's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of the incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people like these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick overview.

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, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were both Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

A member of the conspiracy got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

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 its origins being sinister.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The 20th century event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

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

Here are some traditions:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • During Bonfire Night, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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

The jacket potato is one of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, is a clear nod to this.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with 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 various costumes at Bonfire Night.

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

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

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 against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into 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.

Thornton Heath Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Thornton Heath, London Borough of Croydon, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Thornton Heath Bonfire Night