Wheatley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wheatley poster

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

What should you know about Wheatley's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

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 by reading this short article.

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is 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 been celebrating Bonfire Night.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament, but was cold feet.

Once they learned about the plan, Fawkes and Catesby as well as the other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here.

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

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

Despite the fact that the origins of the event are sinister, it has become a community focused event over the years.

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

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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

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

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event, where 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 get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.
  • 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 attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • 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 with old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become 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 it has become a more community-friendly event over the years.

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!

Wheatley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wheatley, Binsted, East Hampshire, Hampshire, England, GU35 9PA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wheatley Bonfire Night