Welshpool Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Welshpool poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Welshpool?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating Bonfire Nights ever since.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him.

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody here once 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 because it was a day to be thankful for.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community event over the years.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks 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 fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country, even in rural areas.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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

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 best way to go here.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only celebrations of the night.

There are a lot of things 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 all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared for the 5th of November.

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

Traditions associated with the night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

At the end

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

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

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.

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

Welshpool Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Welshpool, Powys, Cymru / Wales, SY21 7SE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Welshpool Bonfire Night