The Ultimate Guide to Bonfire Night in the UK
Get ready to ‘remember remember’
It’s time to gear up for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. That’s right; it’s time for a spectacular bonfire night, filled with sparklers and fireworks galore. And w e can all thank Mr Guy Fawkes for making it happen.
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When ol’ Fawkes rocked up to the Houses of Parliament in 1605, little did he know the UK would still be celebrating his capture some four-hundred-plus years later by setting the skies alight with explosions. Oh, the irony.
Yet here we are, ready to drop some serious ‘ohhhhhhhs’ and ‘ahhhhhhhs’ as the sky turns red, green, yellow and just about every other colour imaginable. The Halloween scares are still fresh in the memory, but it’s already time for some big bangs.
Just in case you were wondering where to find the best fireworks displays, we’ve got you covered. From London to Manchester, discover fun-filled events for the whole family where you can enjoy the best displays around.
How to stay safe ⚠
Before we get into the best places to enjoy bonfire night across the country, it’s essential to make sure that you’re safe during Guy Fawkes. Safety precautions should be put in place where there’s any type of fire, from bonfires to fireworks.
The big displays at events are handled by professionals with the relevant safety measures already in place. But if you’re letting off a few fireworks in your back garden or getting the sparklers out, there are a few things you should do to make sure everything runs smoothly.
1) Don’t light fireworks in windy conditions 2) Don’t let anyone under the age of 18 light any fireworks 3) Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and thoroughly 4) Make sure all unlit fireworks are packaged away in their box 5) Leave damaged fireworks alone. Don’t try to light them 6) Keep a bucket of water or, if possible, a fire extinguisher nearby 7) Keep all pets inside during displays 8) Light fireworks in an open area, away from anything that may catch fire 9) Always aim fireworks vertically to the sky 10)If you have loud fireworks, be considerate of your neighbours
Guy Fawkes Night is a time for the entire family. By following the right procedures and keeping safe, you can make it a bonfire night to remember. And if you don’t fancy setting off a display in your back garden, there are plenty of great fireworks shows happening around the UK.
Here are some of the best ones…
Where to go to enjoy the best fireworks displays:
London
1) Crystal Palace Park
South London is in on the fireworks fun, with Crystal Palace hosting a spectacular display that is sure to brighten up your night. Described as ‘musical lighting’, this year’s show includes the Lords of Lighting show alongside a colourful display of fireworks.
• When?2nd Nov
• Where?Thicket Rd, London SE20 8DT
• How much? £9 per person
2) Alexandra Palace
North London’s Alexandra Palace has a reputation for some of the best fireworks in town. This year, the Fireworks Festival takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November and promises to deliver with a mighty bang – or two. There’s also film screenings, cabaret shows, street food, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
• When?1st and 2nd Nov
• Where?Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
• How much?£9.50 per person
3) Fireworks Night at the ArcelorMittal Orbit
There’s something a little different going on in East London with Fireworks Night at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Enjoy some of London’s finest displays at ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 114.5-metre-high observation tower in the Queen Elizabeth Park. Once the displays have finished, make the most of ArcelorMittal Orbit’s nighttime ride and slide all the way back down the bottom.
•When?Nov 2nd
•Where?Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD
•How much?TBA
Manchester
1) Etihad Stadium Manchester
Combine your trick or treating with a fireworks display at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium on October 31st. Expect plenty of pretty colours exploding in the sky, along with a few fancy-dress costumes at the venue.
•When?Oct 31st
•Where?Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF
•How much?Free
2) Platt Fields Park Bonfire Celebrations
Manchester City council puts on their yearly fireworks display on November 5th at Platt Fields Park. As well as fantastic fireworks, there will be a funfair where you can enjoy fun and games before the show begins.
•When?Nov 5th
•Where?Manchester M14 6LA
•How much?Free
3) Firework Extravaganza
Created by the company who runs Alton Towers theme park, Fireworks Extravaganza promises to be a night filled with splendid fireworks that can be enjoyed by everyone. There will also be plenty of surprises on the night at this event which bills itself as ‘more than a fireworks display’.
•When?Nov 2nd
•Where?Radcliffe Cricket Club in Manchester
•How much?TBA – tickets available on the door
Birmingham
1) Edgbaston Fireworks Spectacular
Birmingham’s largest fireworks display takes place at Edgbaston and promises all-round entertainment. There’s a funfair, LED light show, and superhero special guests for the little ones. Oh, and there’s a fireworks display too!
•When?2nd Nov
•Where?Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham B5 7QU
•How much?From £5
2) Tamworth Castle Fireworks Night
Now in its 10th iteration, Tamworth Castle Fireworks Night attracts huge crowds of up to 25,000 people. This year’s display starts at 7pm on November 2nd and is set to some rocking tunes. There will also be a sparkler zone, face painting opportunities and fire performers.
•When?Nov 2nd
•Where?Tamworth Castle Pleasure Grounds, Tamworth, B79 7NA
•How much?Free
3) Wythall Park Bonfire and Fireworks
Start your evening off with a bonfire, before two fireworks displays at Wythall Park round off the evening. In addition to the Guy Fawkes goings-on, a funfair, food stalls and an indoor Punch and Judy show are on display for good measure.
•When?Nov 2nd
•Where?Wythall House and Park, 52 Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ
•How much?£7.50
Newcastle
1) Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park
Combine fireworks with racing at the Newcastle Racecourse, where a display takes place after a day of top-notch races. Music and a funfair are also on hand so that the whole family can enjoy the festivities. The display takes place one hour after the final race.
•When?Nov 1st
•Where?Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP
•How much?£11; free for under 18s
2) Charity Bonfire Night
The charity bonfire night is back and has so far raised more than £10,000, with this year’s proceeds going to The Great North Air Ambulance. Attendees can expect top-notch fireworks and a fire-performing act that is sure to wow the crowds.
•When?Nov 3rd
•Where?Higham Lakes Trout Fishery, Higham Dykes, Milbourne, Ponteland, NE20 0DH
•How much?Adults, £5; under-16s, £2.50; under-fours free
Cardiff
1) SophiaWorks
Sophia Gardens cricket ground hosts a Bonfire Night display for the second year running. This year, the action kicks off at 6pm on Tuesday 5th November and event-goers can expect a show that lights up the Welsh skies.
•When?Nov 5th
•Where?Sophia Walk, Cardiff CF11 9XR
•How much?From £3.50
2)Sparks in the Park
Get ready for somesparks in the parkin the Welsh capital of Cardiff. There will be two displays taking place, with a junior show earlier in the day at 4.30pm, and an adult show – which is aptly named Rocket Man-kicking off at 7pm.
•When?Nov 2nd
•Where?North Rd, Cardiff CF10 3ER
•How much?TBA
Liverpool
1) Liverpool waterfront
A free nine-day fireworks event delivers one of the biggest Guy Fawkes shows in the UK. Starting Friday 1st Nov and finishing on Saturday 9th Nov, Liverpool’s waterfront plays host to a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Titanium Fireworks will stage one of the displays, which promises to ‘light up your life’.
•When?Nov 1st to Nov 9th
•Where?Liverpool Waterfront
•How much?TBA
Scotland
1) Airdrie Firework Display, Motherwell
The bonfire fun kicks off at 7pm on Monday 4th November, with the displays starting at 7.30pm. There is also hot food and drink available to keep you warm while you enjoy one of Motherwell’s most popular fireworks displays.
•When?Nov 4th
•Where?Motherwell St, Airdrie ML6 7HU
•How much?Free
2) Glasgow Green Fireworks Display, Glasgow
Enjoy a colourful spectacle on Guy Fawkes with Glasgow’s biggest and best display. Set to a selection of music the fireworks scream into the night sky and take place to the backdrop of the city’s iconic People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.
•When?5th Nov
•Where?Greendyke Street, Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5DB
•How much?Free
Light up the skies with emoov
You won’t be short of options for excellent fireworks displays to attend this year. The UK puts on some of the biggest and best shows, with majestic colours taking over the night sky. No matter where you choose to watch the stellar displays on offer, you’ll certainly remember remember the fifth of November.
