West Kingsdown Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in West Kingsdown poster

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

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

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

So 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?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his plan.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was against the catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement 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 of lighting up bonfires.

We ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

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

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

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

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

There are attractions during the night.

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

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

A lot of people think that 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:

  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The 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. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The largest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You can find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night?

bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that are celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals to prepare around the 5th of November.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

There are many traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People wear costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during 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.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing 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 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 Kingsdown Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Kingsdown Bonfire Night