Remember, remember, the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot… For over 400 years this time of year has been a time of spectacle and the spectacular so here are our top picks for Bonfire night. So, layer up, pull on a woolly hat, fill a thermos with something warm and then head out to any of these colourful displays.
Fireworks Extravaganza
Newcastle Round Table
Saturday 2nd November
Stay: YHA Newcastle Central
Said to be the largest and one of the longest-running fireworks displays in the area, the night is expected to be a blast (yes, pun intended, and no, we’re not sorry). Doors open at 5pm, which gives you an hour to explore the amusements, attractions and refreshments available before the firework display starts at 6pm.
Bonfire Night Event at Bolton Abbey
Skipton, North Yorkshire
Saturday 2nd November
Stay: YHA Haworth
What a sight and what a top pick for bonfire night! An explosion of colour high in the sky above the flood-lit Augustinian priory ruins. Visitors with a bonfire ticket get free admission to the Bolton Abbey estate on the day, there’ll be fire eaters and street performers entertaining the crowds from 5pm, street food, a fairground and the bonfire will be lit at 6. The incandescent illuminations begin at 7.15pm.
Conkers Fireworks Extravaganza
National Forest
Saturday 2nd/3rd November
Stay: YHA National Forest
Brilliant for children and easily the biggest bang for your buck in the East Midlands, the Conkers spectacular promises rides, amusements, face painting, balloon modelling, sparklers and food stalls – as well as an amazing array of rockets, crackers and bangers.
Blackheath Fireworks
Blackheath, London
Saturday 2nd November
Stay: Any London YHA
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors and countless “ooohs” and “aahhs” each year, the Blackheath event remains London’s biggest free firework display. The creatively choreographed pyrotechnic bonanza begins at 8pm but there’s plenty more besides, including a funfair from noon and a bar and food stalls from 5pm.
Fireworks at Blists Hill
Ironbridge
Saturday 2nd November
Stay: YHA Ironbridge Coalport
The folk at Ironbridge’s living history Victorian town are putting on a fireworks extravaganza to celebrate the foiling of Fawkes’ plot. You’ll have opportunity to wander the streets and learn about life in the late 1800s, plus there’ll be sparks from the Foundry as workers demonstrate the pouring of molten iron into moulds. The evening culminates with a grand fireworks display from 7.30pm.
Bath Rotary Fireworks Display
Bath Recreation Ground
Saturday 2nd November
Stay: YHA Bath
Centrally located, this firework display is a hugely successful evening year in and year out. This top pick for bonfire night not only puts on a spectacular show of fireworks but brings the whole community together. Gates open at 5:30pm and the highly anticipated fireworks display begins at 7pm. This is definitely not one to be missed.