West Bromwich Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Bromwich poster

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

What information is important to know about West Bromwich's Bonfire Night?

The annual event that has been adopted as an annual event over the years is the Bonfire Night.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated 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.

At that time, Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics with the vision that only an armed struggle would reinstate Catholicism to the rightful place.

The two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

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

We went to the bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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 because of its focus on having fun.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are only part of the celebration.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night

Some regions have their own special meals that are prepared around the 5th of November, and eaten throughout the country.

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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 great time and they enjoy the presence of other 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:

  • In the UK it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with 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, and it is very delicious.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

During Bonfire Night people use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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 events end with a large bonfire and firework display.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

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 Bromwich Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Bromwich, Sandwell, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, B70 6AW, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Bromwich Bonfire Night