Wirksworth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wirksworth poster

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

What should you know about Wirksworth's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event and is one of those incredible festivities.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the tradition of the 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 the event.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since many thought he was 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.

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

There was a plan to assassinate the king because he was in attendance.

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody after learning about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation, shared the fact 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.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

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

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

What should you wear to the events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes during Bonfire Night.

This is in preparation for the events, and it is interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a good time 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 correct way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't wear a costume.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are 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 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 traditions that are common:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition called "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting one. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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 get some of the largest firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. The plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building are a nod to this.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Summing up

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

It's a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It is one of those events that has impressed people over the years.

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

Wirksworth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wirksworth CP, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wirksworth Bonfire Night