Westbury Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Westbury, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Wiltshire we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about Westbury's bonfire night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an event over the years.

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

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

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

This happened 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 back Catholicism to the rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

The Parliament made a statement and shared 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.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are attractions during the night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

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

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some traditions:

• One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfire. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
• The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

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

What should you wear at the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into 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 to continue for many years to come.

Westbury Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Westbury, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Westbury Bonfire Night