West Harrow Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Harrow poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in West Harrow?

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

Why do people love these things so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

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.

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

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

A member of the conspiracy 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 shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers due to the focus on having fun.

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

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

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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 get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What should you wear?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Summing up

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

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 in the past.

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 a long time.

West Harrow Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Harrow, The Gardens, Harrow on the Hill, London Borough of Harrow, London, Greater London, England, HA1 4FP, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Harrow Bonfire Night