Wanstead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wanstead poster

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

What information is important to know about Wanstead's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

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 with a quick recap.

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 attempt.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

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

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 statement about the situation and shared the fact 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 up bonfires.

We were led to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, 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 because the focus was on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century went on.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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, like-minded people.

You will get 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 that are common:

  • 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 for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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 make soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • 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 for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It's clear that this is a 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.

The majority of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared for the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear at the event?

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

It is quite an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

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 from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that have impressed people.

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

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

Wanstead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wanstead, London Borough of Redbridge, London, Greater London, England, E11 2RJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wanstead Bonfire Night