Whetstone Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Whetstone poster

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

What information is important to know about Whetstone's Bonfire Night?

Over the years the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

Why do people love these celebrations?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick overview.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

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

There was a lot of anger towards the king due to the fact that he was against Catholics.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament stated that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

We went to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

What should you wear?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for 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, even if you don't wear a costume.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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

The majority of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of great attractions and events 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 get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition is 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 to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, 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 and burn an effigy of a man. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Nights. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

It is important to note that some families share their soups with other family members.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

One of the things that have impressed people over the years is the event.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become a more community-friendly event.

The most important part of Bonfire Night is happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Whetstone Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Whetstone, Blaby, Leicestershire, England, LE8 6ZH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whetstone Bonfire Night