Tilehurst Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Tilehurst poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Tilehurst?

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

Why do people love this event so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of that attempt.

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 against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

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

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome and you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

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

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

Here are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • A tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels 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.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. 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 about to blow up the Parliament.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great 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 is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Tilehurst Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Tilehurst, West Berkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Tilehurst Bonfire Night