Whitefield Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Whitefield poster

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

What should you know about Whitefield's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

What is it that people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I and also blow up the parliament.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

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

Two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in order to be thankful.

Which eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

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

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with this 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, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, 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 good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts 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 and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It 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 bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. 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.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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

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

At the end

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most popular events.

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 parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for a long time.

Whitefield Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Whitefield Rocks, Langley Marsh, Wiveliscombe, Somerset West and Taunton, Somerset, England, TA4 2UP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whitefield Bonfire Night