Waterhead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Waterhead poster

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

What should you know about Waterhead's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these festivities so much, and what does it mean?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up a building.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

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

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

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

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

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many locations.

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like minded people.

You will also 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.

There are some common traditions:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a wide range of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There are firework displays all over the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

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

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

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

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 connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing food.

Over the years, it is 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 has become a more community-friendly event.

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

Waterhead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Waterhead, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Waterhead Bonfire Night