Wick Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Wick's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

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

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the event.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire 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.

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

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

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here once they learned about it.

The Parliament made a statement 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 to light bonfires.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK

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

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

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some common traditions:

• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. 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.
• During the Bonfire Night processions there 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, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
• The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The Parking Cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, or the toffee apples are all 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.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

What should you wear at the event?

People tend to dress up in different 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 to show off your winter clothes.

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

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

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years 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 go on for many years to come.

Wick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Lock of Wick, Shetland Islands, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wick Bonfire Night