Waltham Cross Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Waltham Cross poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Waltham Cross?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of the incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

After they learned about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

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

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

In places like Hertfordshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

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 not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". 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 tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some families share their soups with friends and other family members.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

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

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

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event over the years.

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

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

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

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

Waltham Cross Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England, EN8 7AN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Waltham Cross Bonfire Night