Wisbech Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wisbech poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Wisbech?

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

What is it that makes people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate the failure of the parliament.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

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

Robert and Guy 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 of Commons.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and wrote a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the place.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they wanted to make it more fun.

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at Bonfire Night.

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.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Bonfire Night attractions

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions where smaller events also take place.

It 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 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.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. In some regions you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make a model of a man, similar to a scarecrow, and burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people make soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a Classical touch is usually the right 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 the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are many foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the items 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 eat soups and share them with friends or family.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

It is one of the things that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

The most important parts of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years.

Wisbech Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wisbech, Fenland, Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wisbech Bonfire Night