Tottington Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Tottington poster

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

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

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event over the years is the Bonfire Night.

Why do people love these events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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.

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 eat soup and share it with friends.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

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

What should you wear?

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

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

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit 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.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

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

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

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 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 common traditions:

  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to 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 tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

The event has impressed many 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 evolved into a more community-friendly event.

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Tottington Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Tottington, Breckland, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Tottington Bonfire Night