Five of the UK’s best bonfire nights and firework displays – with fairgrounds, beer festivals and new drone shows
REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot – so the saying goes.
The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 saw Guy Fawkes and a group of English Catholics fail in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I.
With the conspirators discovered, people lit bonfires around London to celebrate the King’s survival. We’ve been lighting bonfires – and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes – ever since.
And while Halloween may have eclipsed our traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, there is still plenty of fun for all ages across the country.
Here Lisa Minot explores the best of the firework displays and bonfires throughout the UK.
Gisburne Park, Lancashire
BILLED as the largest bonfire in the north of England, the bonanza at Ribblesdale Park on the Gisburne estate promises all the family favourites on Saturday, November 2.
As well as a firework display, there’s a sparkler area, fire dancers, food and drink, a bubble machine and glitter station, followed by an after party with a DJ and dancing.
The bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and fireworks start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16.96 for adults, £11 for kids aged three to 12. Under-3s are free. See gisburneparkestate. co.uk/bonfire.
STAY: The Stirk House Hotel has rooms on November 2 from £160 a night. See stirkhouse.co.uk.
Alexandra Palace, London
ONE of the capital’s oldest and biggest Bonfire Night celebrations, there’s even more to enjoy this year over the weekend of November 1 and 2.
As well as the pyrotechnic displays and bonfire, The Cuban Brothers will be playing on Friday, and Artful Dodger on Saturday.
There’s also ice skating, a fun fair, bonfire and beer festival – as well as a new drone show for 2024.
Gates open at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday, with fireworks at 9pm and 8pm respectively.
Entry is £18 for adults, £12 for children aged 11-15 and £6.50 for under-11s. See fireworks.london.
STAY: Travelodge London Wood Green has rooms available over the weekend for £114, based on up to four sharing. See travelodge.co.uk.
The Hoe, Plymouth
ONE of the most popular events in Devon, Bonfire Night at The Hoe on Plymouth’s waterfront will return for 2024 with a vast bonfire, fireworks, above, and plenty of family-friendly fun on November 5.
The scenic spot is supposedly where, in 1588, Sir Francis Drake first heard about the invading Spanish Armada and, as the story goes, continued his game of bowls.
The fairground opens at 4pm and there’s food from 5pm. The bonfire is lit at 7pm with fireworks from 7.30pm. See visitplymouth.co.uk.
STAY: The imposing Victorian gem, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, is close to The Hoe and has rooms from £67.50 the week of November 3. See thedukeofcornwall.co.uk.
Mayfield Park, Manchester
MAYFIELD Park, with food and entertainment venue Freight Island, has all the fireworks fun over the weekend of November 1-3.
There are fireworks each night as well as music, entertainment and free sparklers for kids.
Fuel up with mulled wine, hot chocolate or candy floss in the park or enjoy street food favourites, including pizza, burgers and ribs at Freight Island.
Gates open at 5.30pm each evening with two firework displays on Saturday. Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for children. Under-3s are free. See escapetofreightisland.com.
STAY: Rooms at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly are from £144 over the weekend with family rooms for four from £186.
See marriott.com.
Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
THE Fawkes Festival, held at Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, the Royal Highland Centre, provides a unique Guy Fawkes Night experience on Sunday November 3.
It has choreographed fireworks and live entertainment including the sensational street theatre troupe Spark!
Visitors can dance the night away with the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and enjoy fairground rides, a variety of food stalls and, of course, a roaring bonfire.
Tickets are £18 for adults and £14 for children. Under-3s go free. See royalhighlandcentre.co.uk.
STAY: Hotel Indigo Edinburgh has rooms from £132 a night. See ihg.com/hotelindigo.