Every year lots of us want to “Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot” as the old rhyme goes. For many this means letting off some fireworks in the garden. But plenty of others choose to head for organised displays where, for around the price of a couple of boxes of supermarket fireworks, you can enjoy a far more spectacular display – some are even free. Here’s our selection of five of the best for 2016.
Alexandra Palace
North London’s Alexandra Palace was the original home of BBC television. This November it’s offering entertainment of a very different kind, with a fireworks festival that is running over two days of Friday 4th and Saturday 5th. The huge displays each night at 9pm on Friday and 8pm on Saturday respectively will be preceded by laser shows lighting up the skies above London. Plus they’re promising many of the capital’s top street food stalls as well as a daily “Day of the Dead” parade to keep the Halloween celebrations going. As if that’s not enough, there’s going to be an ice skating rink too.
Best of all, it’s just £31 for a family of four – find full details on their website.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Seven miles east of Maidstone, Leeds Castle provides the stunning backdrop to what promises to be the most stunning display in Kent - made even more impressive when you see all of the pyrotechnics reflected in the lake that surrounds the ancient building.
The theme of this year’s display is “The Greatest Names in Music”, many of whom are going to be projected onto the castle walls. Amongst the other entertainment on offer before and after the 5.45pm displays, taking place on both the 5th and 6th, will be live music and hot food stands. If you really want to make an evening of it, the Castle View Restaurant is also open for the night.
Glasgow Green, Glasgow
Standing on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow Green is the venue for one of Scotland’s biggest firework displays this year. The fun goes on from 5pm until 9pm on Saturday the 5th, with the display itself taking place at 7.30. As well as all the usual attractions like food and drink vendors, there’s also going to be a funfair with plenty of rides and stalls. But don’t worry about the cost of this fun family night out – entry to the fireworks event itself is completely free.
Caerphilly Castle, Wales
Since the 13th century Caerphilly Castle has been an imposing presence in this part of Wales. Originally built by Gilbert De Clare as part of his efforts to conquer Glamorgan, today it’s one of the region’s leading visitor attractions. On Saturday November 5th it promises to be attracting plenty more with its fireworks display, which starts at 7pm.
Entry is free but there will be a voluntary collection in aid of the charities Caerffili Lions and Wales Air Ambulance – so remember to take plenty of change with you to support these two very good causes.
York Maze
Where better to celebrate Bonfire Night than in York? After all, it was where Guy Fawkes was born, brought up and went to school. It’s also said to be where he first met some of his co-conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot.
The area’s biggest and best display is going to be held at the York Maze on Saturday the 5th. This is a few miles outside the city heading east on the A64 so hiring a car may be the best way to get there and, once you’re there, the fun will begin.
The action starts at 6.30 so prepare to be amazed by the Juggling Inferno team who perform death-defying acts with flaming torches. Then the bonfire will be lit at 7.30 followed by the fireworks at 8pm. This will be followed by live music in a giant marquee right until the event ends at 10.30.
All in all, it promises to be quite a night, so whether you get along to one of these events or settle for fireworks and sparklers at home we wish you a fun-filled, and safe, Bonfire Night however you decide to spend it.