West Green Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Green poster

Every year in West Green, 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 Green's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

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

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

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

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

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

The Parliament said 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.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because of the focus on having fun.

The event looked similar to what we are experiencing today as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just 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 as well.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually 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 like-minded people.

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

There are some common traditions:

  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take 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 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. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up Parliament.
  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.

What should you wear?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

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

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

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it 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 a long time.

West Green Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Green, West Green Road, Duckett's Green, West Green, London Borough of Haringey, London, Greater London, England, N15 3BH, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Green Bonfire Night