West Hendon Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Hendon poster

Every year in West Hendon, 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 the Bonfire Night in West Hendon?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

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 in the UK.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was considered to be racist against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

However, a conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people, 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

Here are some common traditions:

  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for the fireworks. 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.
  • The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during the Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of things associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends and family.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is an interesting approach 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 a good way to go 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 in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event over the years.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

West Hendon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Hendon, London Borough of Barnet, London, Greater London, England, NW9 7ES, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Hendon Bonfire Night