Walsall Wood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Walsall Wood poster

Every year in Walsall Wood, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of West Midlands.

What should you know about Walsall Wood's bonfire night?

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

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is the tradition of the 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 1605 people celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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

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

Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for, and therefore the tradition to light bonfires.

We eventually headed to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because of the focus on having fun.

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

What should you wear to the events?

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.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebrations of the night.

There are lots of 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.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

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

There are attractions during the night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible firework displays for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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 manner.

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

Summing up

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

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

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it shifted towards being 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 a long time.

Walsall Wood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Walsall Wood, Brownhills, Walsall, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, WS9 9NR, United Kingdom

Organiser: Walsall Wood Bonfire Night