Welton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Welton poster

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

What should you know about Welton's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

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

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament made a public statement and shared 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 took us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

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

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with 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 be able 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 that are common:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some 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.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

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 failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are 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 some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

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

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This approach is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

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

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year.

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

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's no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Welton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Welton, Midsomer Norton, Bath and North East Somerset, West of England, England, BA3 2UN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Welton Bonfire Night