Upper Knowle Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Upper Knowle poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love these celebrations?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king while he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member who was cold feet sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is obviously a clear 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 manner.

The majority of the time, these events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night is now a community-focused 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on the Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas, 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.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

In the end

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event.

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

Upper Knowle Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Upper Knowle, Bristol, City of Bristol, West of England, England, BS4 2JL, United Kingdom

Organiser: Upper Knowle Bonfire Night