Upton Bonfire Night 2022
Every year in Upton, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Buckinghamshire.
What should you know about Upton's bonfire night?
The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.
Why do people love these things so much?
You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night here.
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.
In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Night 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 return Catholicism to the rightful place.
Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.
The king was in attendance and the plan was to assassinate him.
A conspiracy member was cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.
The other conspirators were taken into custody here once they learned of the plan.
The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.
On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.
We went to the Bonfire Night after that.
In locations like Buckinghamshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.
Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.
The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.
The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are seeing today.
There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night
People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.
It is clear that this is a 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 way.
Most of the time, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.
Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?
Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.
There are many foods associated with this event.
The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.
Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.
Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family.
Bonfire Night attractions
There are many great 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 event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.
You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.
Common traditions are here:
- The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
- During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort 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 regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
- In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
- There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
What should you wear?
Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.
This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.
Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.
Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the best way to go here.
You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome.
Summing up
Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event over the years.
It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.
One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.
Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become 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.
Upton Bonfire Night Event
Date: 5th November 2022
Start Time: 6pm
Finish Time: 11pm
Address: Upton, Dinton-with-Ford and Upton, Dinton, Buckinghamshire, England, HP17 8YB, United Kingdom
Organiser: Upton Bonfire Night
