Wakefield Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.

So why do people love these festivities so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of the event.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought 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.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a 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 as a day to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of this.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The focus is on having fun, which is why the celebration was rebranded at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will 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:

• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
• The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, to blow up the Parliament building.
• "Penny for the Guy" is another interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy 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 on Bonfire Night?

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 good time for most people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit is usually the right way to go here.

Even though you don't have to dress up in a costume, a proper outfit that protects you against the cold is more than welcome.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

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

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to get together, celebrate and enjoy some great food.

It has impressed many people over the years.

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

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come!

Wakefield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wakefield Bonfire Night