Waltham Abbey Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Waltham Abbey poster

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

What should you know about Waltham Abbey's bonfire night?

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

Why do people like these festivities so much?

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

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 trying to blow up the parliament.

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 racist against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful.

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister beginnings.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes during Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and large bonfire.

What should you wear to the event?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for 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 weather is more than welcome.

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are shared with 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 people.

You will also 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:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks wrap potatoes in a foil and cook them with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.

At the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some amazing foods.

The event has impressed people over the years.

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

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Waltham Abbey Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Waltham Abbey Bonfire Night