Whitley Bay Bonfire Night 2022

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

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

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

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating Bonfire Night 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 that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

The people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared 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 of lighting up bonfires.

Which led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it's origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because it was focused on having fun.

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

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

People 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, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

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

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

There are some common traditions:

• Some of the largest fireworks displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
• The bonfires are not meant just to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, 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 for the 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.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and certainly something to keep in mind.

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with their friends or family members.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great foods.

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

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 aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for years and years to come.

Whitley Bay Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Somerset Grove, Preston, New York, North Tyneside, North of Tyne, England, NE29 8PN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Whitley Bay Bonfire Night