Wilmington Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wilmington poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Wilmington?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event for many years.

What is it that makes 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 connected to?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being too tolerant of the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king because he was there.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

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

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

It eventually led 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 it's origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are experiencing today.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

It is obvious that this is a 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.

Most of the time, there is a large bonfire and a firework display.

There are attractions during the night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused event for a lot of people, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

There are some traditions:

  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.
  • The bonfires are supposed 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 wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat during Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy 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 preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

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 foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing going on during the night.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with other family members.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

Over the years it has impressed many 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.

Wilmington Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wilmington, Dartford, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wilmington Bonfire Night