West Drayton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Drayton poster

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

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

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

What is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

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

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

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

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

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

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of this.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that Bonfire Night's origins are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

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

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

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

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

There are traditions associated with the night.

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.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be 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 crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some even cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper and straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

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 have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

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

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

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

West Drayton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Drayton, London Borough of Hillingdon, Greater London, England, UB7 7GD, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Drayton Bonfire Night