Westlands Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Westlands poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Westlands?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

Why do people love the festivities so much?

Here’s a quick roundup to help you get up to speed with the Bonfire Night, its starting point and the reasons behind its amazing popularity.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

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

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

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after 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 in order to be thankful for it.

We eventually went to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

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

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried 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 a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Food and drinks are shared with the community at smaller events that take place in countryside regions.

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 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 traditions:

  • 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 just 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 to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is one of the more interesting traditions. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

There are more than just bonfires and fireworks at the Bonfire Night events.

There are many foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things 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.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is being prepared for the events.

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

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 from the cold weather is more than welcome.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night continues and has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great foods.

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Westlands Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Westlands, Boon Hill, Audley Rural, Audley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England, ST7 8NJ, United Kingdom

Organiser: Westlands Bonfire Night