West Auckland Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Auckland poster

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

What should you know about West Auckland's bonfire night?

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

What does it mean and why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating Bonfire Night.

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

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

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up cold feet.

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

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the fact that it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear to the events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just some of the things that are 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 soups with friends or other family members.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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, but in a safe way.

The majority of the time, these events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many 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.

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

You will also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • 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 Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy 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 about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed into old clothes.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

It is one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become 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 many years to come.

West Auckland Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Auckland, County Durham, North East, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Auckland Bonfire Night