Willingdon Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Willingdon's bonfire night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these things so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of his attempt.

In 1605 this happened and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

A group of supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

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

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

The Bonfire Night has traditions.

People in costumes use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during 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 way.

Most of the time, these events end with a firework display and a big bonfire.

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks 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 be able to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

• During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is quite interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for fireworks. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
• Some of the largest firework displays are in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
• In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

With that being said, the Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to keep in mind is 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 dress in a costume.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

In the end

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

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

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 is no denying that over the years the event has evolved into 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 many years.

Willingdon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Willingdon, Wealden, East Sussex, England, BN20 9JB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Willingdon Bonfire Night