Waterbeach Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Waterbeach poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Waterbeach?

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

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of that attempt.

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

At that time, 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 that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

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

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

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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 similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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 that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Common traditions are here:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. The crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for 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 planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had in order to blow up the parliament building.

What should you wear to the event?

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

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity 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 right way to travel here.

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

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 get together and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became 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 years and years to come.

Waterbeach Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Waterbeach, South Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Waterbeach Bonfire Night