Whether you’re eager to learn the history behind Guy Fawkes and his failed gunpowder plot or you just want to indulge in toffee apples and treacle whilst watching the sky sparkle, VisitEngland has chosen the top events around the country to help your bonfire night go off with a bang.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Kaboom, Rawcliffe Country Park, York, 4th November
Head to York to experience Bonfire Night where it all began. York is the birth place of the infamous Guy Fawkes and 2012 will see the launch of Kaboom, a new annual event to mark the failed gunpowder plot. Held at Rawcliffe Country Park, it promises to be an awesome pyrotechnic display by one of the world’s best pyro-technicians – Jitu Desai and appearance by X Factor’s Marcus Collins. The evening will also feature family friendly entertainment including a huge funfair, food concessions and a programme of live entertainment running throughout. kaboomyork.com
RELIVE THE DRAMA
Gunpowder Gala Banquet, Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd November
Coombe Abbey Hotel
Enjoy dinner with a difference at the Gunpowder Gala Banquet. Delight in a four course feast with wine and mead whilst actors unfold the story of The Gun Powder Treason and the danger it presented to Coombe Abbey when the plot unfolded in 1605. After dinner watch the spectacular firework display over the lake and then dance the night away. coombeabbey.com/events/gunpowder-gala-banquet
Tickets £45.00 per person
BEST FOR HISTORY BUFFS
Fireworks Night, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Shropshire, 3rd November
Blists Hill Victorian Town will open its doors for a spectacular family fireworks extravaganza on 3rd November. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone back in time as you wander the eerie streets illuminated by gaslight, as they would have been in the 19th century. The town’s shops, cottages and workshops will be open for visitors to chat to the ‘resident’ Victorians, dressed in the costume of the day, who will answer questions about life in the late 1800s. ironbridge.org.uk
Ticket Prices
Adult £9.50
Child (aged 3 and over – under 16) £6.25
Family (2 adults and 2 children) £29.00
BEST PLACE TO STAY
Langdale Hotel and Spa, Lake District, 2nd – 6th November
To really get this year’s fireworks season off with a bang, stay at the four star Langdale Hotel and Spa, which was home to a Gunpowder Works for more than 100 years. Visitors staying at the luxury hotel can dine at the rustic Wainwright’s Inn, which will be hosting its famous firework display on 5th November, complete with a hog roast and huge bonfire. Guests can also enjoy a ‘Gunpowder Walk’ which explores the site’s many remaining blast walls, wheels and machinery, and gives a truly unique insight into the Langdale estate’s history and heritage. langdale.co.uk
BEST FOR FAMILIES AND PETS
Bristol Zoo, Bristol, 2nd and 3rd November
For fireworks without a bang! head for Bristol Zoo. Now in its fifth year, Bristol Zoo Gardens puts on a beautiful display of low-noise fireworks, perfect for little ones and pooches. Watch the sky sparkle away at this highly visual display whilst sipping hot drinks and tucking into wintery treats. bristolzoo.org.uk/bangless-bonfire-nights
Poole Quay Fireworks, Dorset, 5th November, from 16.30 Fireworks at 8PM
Poole celebrates 5th November with a fabulous free firework display over the second largest natural harbour in the world. The harbour is second only to Sydney, which is also famous for its Fireworks displays. The whole length of Poole Quay will be packed with street performers and live music keeping the crowds entertained. Watch the waters light up in a myriad of colours at the largest free fireworks extravaganza on the south coast. pooletourism.com
BEST FOR MUSIC BUFFS
Firework Spectacular at Leeds Castle, Kent, 3rd – 4th November
Watch this world-famous fireworks extravaganza amongst the beautiful and historical backdrop of Leeds Castle. The magnificent display will provide an experience like no other, performed alongside dramatic space themed music and TV theme tune classics.
Tickets cost £18 for adults, £10 for children, under 4’s go free. Leeds-castle.com
Beaulieu National Motor Museum, New Forest, 27th October. Fireworks at 7.30 pm
Beaulieu will be celebrating early with a Superhero theme. Everyone is invited to turn up in fancy dress with prizes going to the best dressed. So don your best Superman or Catwoman costume, ride the old-fashioned fairground and watch the fireworks make a bang to superhero music.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events/fireworks
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Gunpowder Plod, York Knavesmire, 5th November
The Gunpowder Plod brings sport and culture together with a 5km run on York Knavesmire. The plod is set against a backdrop of pyrotechnics, with fire installations and performers entertaining athletes and armchair fans every kilometer. The run will be followed by York’s biggest ever fireworks show. The event will include family activities, a funfair, traditional food stalls and a beer tent with real ales. gunpowderplod.com
For more ideas on how to spend Bonfire night check out visitengland.com/ee/Bonfire-Night
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