Wotton Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Wotton poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Wotton?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

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.

In 1605 this happened and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to restore Catholicism to the rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The plan was to kill the king when he was there.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were also taken into custody when they learned about the plan.

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

On the 5th of November, the Parliament decided to make it a day to be thankful.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event 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 of the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more and more similar to what we are experiencing today.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration.

There are many things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

It is quite an interesting approach to prepare for the events.

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

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

If you want to protect yourself from the cold weather, a proper outfit is more than welcome.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events where food and drinks are shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to enjoy some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans of Guy Fawkes and his team to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires are not just a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil as well as marshmallows or sausages. People eat a traditional parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made from straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition 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. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.

In the end

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

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing foods.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over time.

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

Wotton Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wotton, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, GL1 3HN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wotton Bonfire Night