Cambridge Bonfire Night is an annual event celebrated on or around 5th November to mark Guy Fawkes Night. The event takes place on Midsummer Common, where the city gathers for a spectacular display of fireworks, a large bonfire, and various food and entertainment stalls. The tradition commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up the House of Lords in London.
The fireworks display is one of the largest in the region, attracting thousands of spectators each year. In addition to the dazzling show, the huge bonfire is lit, and there’s often a fairground with rides and games, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event is family-friendly and free to attend, although donations are encouraged to help cover costs.
Cambridge Bonfire Night is a key part of the city’s annual calendar, providing a fun and safe way for the community to celebrate together. It’s an evening of tradition, excitement, and entertainment, offering both locals and visitors a memorable experience.
A Brief History of Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, dates back to the 17th century and commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The plot was a failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholic conspirators to assassinate King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament in London. The aim was to overthrow the Protestant government and restore Catholic leadership to England. On 5th November 1605, the plot was foiled, and Fawkes was arrested while guarding the explosives beneath the House of Lords.
In celebration of the king’s survival, people lit bonfires around London, and this tradition spread across the country. Over time, Guy Fawkes Night became an annual event where effigies of Guy Fawkes were burned on bonfires, and fireworks were added to symbolise the explosives that were never used.
Today, Bonfire Night is celebrated with large fireworks displays, bonfires, and various festivities across the UK, including Cambridge. Though its religious and political origins have largely faded, it remains a popular celebration of British history, with a focus on community gatherings and fireworks. In Cambridge, Midsummer Common has become the central location for this event, attracting thousands of people each year for a spectacular display and entertainment.
The Midsummer Fair Today
Today, Bonfire Night in Cambridge is a major annual event that draws thousands of people to Midsummer Common for a grand celebration. Held around 5th November, the event features a spectacular fireworks display, a large bonfire, and an array of food and entertainment stalls. It’s one of the largest Guy Fawkes Night events in the region and is entirely free, although donations are encouraged to help cover the costs of the event.
The bonfire is traditionally lit first, followed by a breathtaking fireworks show that lights up the sky, lasting for around 20 minutes. The event also often includes fairground rides, games, and food vendors offering a variety of treats, making it a fun, family-friendly night out. Safety and crowd management are key concerns, so the event is carefully organised, with plenty of space on the common for spectators to spread out and enjoy the show.
How to Get There
To get to Midsummer Common in Cambridge, there are several options depending on your starting point:
- By Foot: Midsummer Common is just a short walk from the city centre. If you’re near Market Square or Jesus Green, it’s around a 10-minute walk. Simply head east towards the River Cam and follow the signs.
- By Bus: Several local bus routes stop near Midsummer Common. You can take buses that stop at Maids Causeway or Victoria Avenue, both of which are only a few minutes’ walk from the common.
- By Train: If you’re arriving by train, Cambridge Railway Station is about a 25-minute walk away, or you can take a short bus or taxi ride. From the station, head north through the city centre towards the common.
- By Car: Parking can be limited in central Cambridge, but using one of the city’s Park and Ride services is a convenient option. Park outside the city and take a bus directly to the centre, then walk to the common.