Autumn is a beautiful time of year, the nights draw in early, the air is crisp, the leaves are golden and there is a distinct smell of wood smoke in the air, created by bonfires and firework displays. Remember, remember the 5th November, the night Guy Fawkes was foiled in his plan to destroy the House of Parliament in 1605. It’s a British tradition to mark the anniversary of this event every year and there are many amazing Bonfire Night displays around the country; here’s our pick of the best!
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London, (7th Nov)
North London’s skies will once again light up with a spectacular display above the beautiful Alexandra Palace. With a panoramic view of London, the impressive display (8 PM) will also feature an epic laser show! Those looking to make a whole evening of it can arrive early and stay later with the German Bier Festival returning to the Great Hall serving up delicious beer and tasty food alongside great live music. There’s also an Ice Rink to test your skating skills and 2 fun fair locations. For a quieter evening, the lower fields host a family friendly area with a bonfire to keep you warm. Tickets sell out fast for this one, so make sure to snap them up early! There is no parking at this event, so why not skip the stress and grab a cab?
Midsummer Common Fireworks, Cambridge, (5th Nov)
This hugely popular event brings around 25,000 people every year to Cambridge’s Midsummer Common, all to witness their amazing fireworks display and a huge bonfire! The event is free to attend, though they welcome any donations on the night, and features a brilliant fun fair, great food and crazy fire dancers until 10 PM. The musical fireworks display begins at 7:30 PM, followed by the lighting of the giant bonfire. Not one to miss!
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations, East Sussex, (5th Nov)
This massive event is one of Britain’s most popular Bonfire Night attractions, focusing on the historical and traditional aspect of remembering The Gunpowder Plot. The evening consists of local and visiting bonfire societies, each with their own costumes, parades and traditions involving plenty of fire and pyrotechnics around the small town. After the fireworks and bonfire displays, make sure you stick around for the amazing spectacle of the seventeen burning crosses being carried through the streets to commemorate the 17 martyrs burned at the stake in the town in the 16th century. This one is a little less family-focused, as the streets get extremely crowded, so perhaps keep any little ones at home.
The Big Boom! Norwich, (6th Nov)
Norwich’s free annual firework display always brings a huge crowd to the street to witness the spectacular fireworks that are launched from the historic Norwich Castle. A fantastic soundtrack, adding to the magical atmosphere, backs the display. As it’s in the city center, there are plenty of places to grab a drink and a bite to eat afterwards, thought it might be an idea to book ahead just to make sure you get into the warmth quickly!
Sparks in the Park, Cardiff (7th Nov)
20,000 fireworks are launched at Cardiff’s annual display in Cooper’s Field, making one incredible show! Cardiff Round Table organizes the event, with all proceeds going to charities and great causes around the Cardiff area. The whole evening and display is set to a brilliant soundtrack that changes every year and lasts around 30 minutes. The event is family friendly, even hosting a children’s firework display, with tickets starting from £5 for general entry.
Glasgow Green Fireworks, Glasgow, (4th Nov)
This free Glasgow Fireworks display is not one to miss! A very family friendly event, the green is open from 5 PM where spectators can browse food and drink and craft stalls and indulge in a few thrills at the on-site funfair! The amazing fireworks display begins at 7:30 PM and the entire site is open until 9 PM.
