Woodhouse Park Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Woodhouse Park poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Woodhouse Park?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

Why do people like these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is a common association with 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.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated bonfires ever since.

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

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

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

The king was in attendance, so the plan was to assassinate him.

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

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

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

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

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities can be found throughout 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 to Fireworks Night 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 experiencing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are some great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by 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 also get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money to buy fireworks. 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.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it in effigy. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. But in general you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

What are you going to wear to the events?

People tend to dress up in various costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night.

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity 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 have to dress in a costume.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers 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.

There is a firework display and a large bonfire at most of the time.

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to come together 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's no denying that it shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Woodhouse Park Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Woodhouse Park, Wythenshawe, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, M22 0WW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Woodhouse Park Bonfire Night