Whelley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Whelley poster

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

What should you know about Whelley's bonfire night?

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

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating the night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

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

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

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament stated 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 for.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

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

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

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes during the Bonfire Night.

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

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

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you will find amazing firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during 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

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event and continues every year

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It is one of the events that have impressed people in the past.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event 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 event to continue for years and years to come.

Whelley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Whelley, Hindley, Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, WN1 3UG, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whelley Bonfire Night