Whitehaven Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Whitehaven poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Whitehaven?

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 events so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is the tradition of the 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.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and people have been celebrating ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to parliament.

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

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

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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.

However, 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.

Here are some traditions that are common:

  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. Kids 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.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are just a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a bird. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee and the toffee apples are some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

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.

This is a clear 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 and large bonfire.

What are you going to wear to the events?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, because you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night is a staple event.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those events that have impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Whitehaven Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Whitehaven, Copeland, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whitehaven Bonfire Night