Upper Parkstone Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Upper Parkstone poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate 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 ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

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

It eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear 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 events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are 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 share their soups with friends or family.

Bonfire Night attractions

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among 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 also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. 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 an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear at the event?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a Classical touch 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 the cold weather is more than welcome.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

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

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

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event 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.

Upper Parkstone Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: East Dorset Tennis Club, Parkstone, Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Upper Parkstone Bonfire Night