Bonfire Night is a wonderful British tradition. The event originates from a crazy plot to rebel against authority, and we’ve turned the night into a fun occasion filled with fireworks and good food, amongst other things! All of us have our stories to tell about sparklers and giant bonfires, making the occasion familiar and heart-warming.
You can celebrate Bonfire Night in all sorts of ways. You can organise your party at home with friends and family, focusing on fun new fireworks and tasty treats. You could also get out there and be part of some of the biggest events in the country. If you want to experience Bonfire Night with the wider community, then these are the UK’s biggest Bonfire Night events to explore.
The celebrations in Lewes, East Sussex
The Bonfire Night party in Lewes is like no other you’ll ever see. It is definitely one of the biggest – there are six bonfire societies involved in creating the perfect night out. The medieval town is filled with marching bands, parades, performances and costumes, not to forget the sparklers and Roman candles. It’s definitely worth experiencing once in your life.
The fireworks in Midsummer Common, Cambridge
Cambridge hosts one of the biggest Bonfire Night fireworks displays. Each year around 25,000 visitors make their way to Midsummer Common to see the show. Aside from the fireworks, Midsummer Common also includes a gigantic bonfire to keep you warm and a funfair to add to the entertainment. If you’re looking for somewhere to go with the kids, Midsummer Common has plenty of kids’ stalls to entertain children of all ages.
The historic Lord Mayor’s Show, London
While London has a number of Bonfire Night events happening early November, the Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the most historic of these. The traditional firework show dates back to the early 13th century with the newly elected Lord Mayor traveling upriver to Westminster to announce his loyalty to the king. While this pledge doesn’t take place any longer, there is still a flotilla followed by street processions and a fireworks display. Here’s a taster from 2016:
The quirky party of Skinningrove Bonfire, Yorkshire
For a vibrant and uniquely warm (only in terms of atmosphere, unfortunately!) Bonfire Night event, you want to head down to the small village on the North Yorkshire Coast. The Skinningrove Bonfire night involves the burning of a giant hand-built statue, which is meant to reflect the heritage of the town. In previous years, this has meant things like a Gothic Castle and a fishing boat. It’ll be interesting to see what they’ll come up with this year.
The impressive Fireworks at the Fort, North Tyneside
Perhaps one of the most impressive settings for a Bonfire Night party is the Segedunum Roman Fort. The Fort is built on Hadrian’s Wall and you’ll get to experience an impressive show together with hundreds of other firework lovers.
If you like to have a good time celebrating Bonfire Night, then the above events are definitely worth exploring. They involve plenty of tradition and each event culminates into a massive fireworks display!