Walmer Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Walmer poster

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

What should you know about Walmer's bonfire night?

Every year, the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event.

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick overview.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

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

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but got cold feet.

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

Bonfire Night 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 to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

A lot of people think that 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 enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are 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 crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you can find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • There is an interesting tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

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

This is 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 way.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't wear a costume.

Summing up

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

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved over the years into 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.

Walmer Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Walmer, Dover, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Walmer Bonfire Night