Woolwich Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Woolwich poster

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

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

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

What does it mean to people and why do they love these festivities so much?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also the attempt to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night 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 in an armed struggle to return Catholicism to its rightful place.

Some people 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 once they learned of the plan.

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

There are traditions associated with the night.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe way.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

It's interesting that people tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for people to show off their winter clothing.

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.

A proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are common during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The celebration with bonfires and fireworks is not the only thing going on.

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

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, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

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 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 firework displays for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • Another 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 areas 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 bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The traditional parking cake is eaten on the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • The biggest cities in the country get the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, stuffed with old clothes, and is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

In the end

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

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

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

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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 to come!

Woolwich Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Woolwich, London, Greater London, England, SE18 6FX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Woolwich Bonfire Night