Wandsworth Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Wandsworth's bonfire night?

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

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few easy steps.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring back Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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 ended up getting cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared 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 eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are many foods associated with the 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 prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

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

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared among 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 see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

• There's a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
• 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 cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very delicious.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes during Bonfire Night.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even though you don't have to dress up.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People parade in 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, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

In the end

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

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

It is one of the things that have 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.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Wandsworth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wandsworth, London, Greater London, England, SW18 1UJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wandsworth Bonfire Night