Whalley Range Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Whalley Range poster

Every year in Whalley Range, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Greater Manchester.

What should you know about Whalley Range's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate 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.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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

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

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

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

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement about 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 is a day to be thankful.

Which eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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 it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more and more similar to what we are experiencing today.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

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 events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

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

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will be able 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 common traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • 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. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional dessert people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle is very tasty.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels 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.

What should you wear to the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

Which foods are popular during the night?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

Conclusion

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

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 become 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 years and years to come.

Whalley Range Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Whalley Range, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M16 8EF, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whalley Range Bonfire Night