West Mersea Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of that attempt.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

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

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

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

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

What should you wear?

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

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are just a few of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have 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 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 traditions:

• Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
• The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. Many people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. This is a nod 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 a bid to get some money for fireworks. In some regions, 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.

Traditions associated with the night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

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

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

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

Over the years, it is one of those events that have impressed people.

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 Mersea Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: West Mersea Bonfire Night