Withdean Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Withdean poster

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

What information is important to know about Withdean's Bonfire Night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

Why do people love these celebrations so much?

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

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.

This happened in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

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

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A conspiracy member got cold feet after sending a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught.

The Parliament decided to make the 5th of November a day to be thankful for and hence the tradition of lighting up bonfires.

We made our way to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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 looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are plenty of foods associated with this event as well.

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 to be prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is 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.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, there are usually 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 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 traditions:

  • 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 meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money for fireworks, a few days before the 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.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

At the end

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

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

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 it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Withdean Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Withdean, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, BN1 5JB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Withdean Bonfire Night