Woodley Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Woodley poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of the 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 with a quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he wanted to blow up the parliament.

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

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.

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful for.

We eventually ended up at the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

What should you wear?

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

This approach is quite interesting and is in preparation for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit is usually the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are traditions associated with Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they attempted to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

Large bonfires, local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because 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.

Some traditions are common:

  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and 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 bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • The 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. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing 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 plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook a lot of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

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

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families eat soups too and share them with friends or other family members.

In the end

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

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years 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 continue for years and years to come.

Woodley Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: The Museum Of Berkshire Aviation, Mohawk Way, Woodley, West Berkshire, England, RG5 4UE, United Kingdom

Organiser: Woodley Bonfire Night