Bonfire Night 2014: the 10 Best Firework Displays in the UK

1. Battel Bonfire Boyes, Battle, East Sussex: Saturday 1st November. Procession at 6.30pm, fireworks at 9.30pm.
Legend has it that Guy Fawkes sourced his gunpowder from the Battel powder mills and the Battel Bonfire Boyes has been commemorating this for over 350 years. As one of the world’s oldest membership societies, their annual celebrations begin with a torch-lit procession through the town featuring a wide range of local bonfire societies in fancy dress. This parade of noise and colour is followed by an amazing fireworks display and traditional bonfire that are not to be missed.
2. Mary St. Ottery Tar Barrels and Fireworks Display, Devon: Wednesday 5th November from 4pm.
In an annual ritual that goes back hundreds of years, the townspeople of Mary St. Ottery spend the evening lugging flaming barrels of tar on their backs in one of the most dramatic bonfire festivals you’ll find in the UK. It is thought the fiery barrels stems from a pagan ceremony that cleanses the town of evil spirits. You’ll also see one of the biggest bonfires in the South West on millennium green, and a spectacular fireworks display to end the evening.
3. Penrhos Beach Fireworks, Anglesey: Wednesday 5th November at 7pm.
The entire Welsh island of Anglesey in is an adventure in itself, so the fireworks you’ll see on Penrhos Beach in Holyhead are against a backdrop of sheer beauty. There’s something quite unique about watching thousands of pounds worth of cutting edge fireworks being launched from a beautiful beach setting. With an enormous bonfire, plus stalls and rides for the kids, it’s a great family event. Plus all proceeds go to local good causes. Just remember to wrap up warm as it gets quite chilly by the sea.
4. Tutbury Castle Vikings Fireworks, Staffordshire: Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Wednesday 5th November. Start times vary.
Tutbury Castle’s unique annual fireworks display is preceded by an amazingly dramatic Viking show in one of the UK’s most animated Bonfire Night celebrations. The castle traditionally hosts historical re-enactments, archaeological tours and ghost hunts. Early November sees the ‘Tutbury Vikings’ engage in combat under the moonlight, followed by a Viking ‘funeral’. It’s a fabulous fireworks event for all the family with a fun historic twist.

5. Kaboom Firework Party, Castle Howard, York: Saturday 1st November from 5.30pm.
The spectacular finale to the Illuminating York Festival is held in the prestigious setting of Castle Howard. The Kaboom Firework Party will see the launch of the biggest firework allowed in the UK, which can be seen up to 7 miles away in the right conditions! Aside from the fireworks spectacular, the entertainment programme includes carnival performers, fairground rides and local DJs, plus a showing of the Ghostbusters movie on the big screen to provide a unique Halloween twist.
6. Peterborough Firework Fiesta, Peterborough Arena: Saturday 1st November from 5pm.
Guaranteeing pyrotechnic prowess and entertainment for a fun-filled family Bonfire Night, the Peterborough Fireworks Fiesta is one of the only displays in the UK with a covered grandstand that seats up to 2,000 people. A crackling bonfire, Guy parade and huge funfair provide the warm up to a spectacular fireworks display organised by leading fireworks supplier Titanium. Chirpy local radio presenters introduce several live bands throughout the night too.
7. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace, North London: Saturday 1st November from 3pm.
Alexandra Park is situated high above North London, promising a sparkling panoramic view of the city. Billed as ‘the coolest fireworks display in London‘ the pyrotechnics are pretty spectacular too. Ally Pally’s annual event isn’t all about the rockets and screamers though, It’s an event that offers a funfair, free face painting, street food vendors and craft beer from local brewers. Plus live music that guarantees a party atmosphere for family and friends.

8. Bristol Zoo’s Bangless Bonfire Night, Bristol: Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November from 5pm.
Catering for little ones who shy away from loud explosions, Bristol Zoo’s family friendly fireworks display is now in its seventh year. The display of enchanting ‘low-noise’ fireworks sees bangers and screamers exchanged for sparkling fountains and crackling comets, keeping little ears happy and giving the zoo’s animal residents a chance to enjoy the show too. Add in some fire dancers, a giant bonfire and seasonal food and drinks and it’s a great evening of family entertainment.
9. Fireworks at the Fort, Segedunum, North Tyneside: Wednesday 5th November from 4pm.
One of the biggest fireworks displays in North East England is at Segedunum, the remains of a Roman fort on the banks of the river Tyne in Wallsend. Offering the perfect way for families to celebrate Bonfire Night with a difference, this iconic spot provides a stunning backdrop to what is always a dazzling fireworks display. Admission to the museum at the site is free from 4pm, where you can learn about the Roman way of life along Hadrian’s Wall before going outside for the flashes and bangs.
10. Winter Festival Fireworks Night, Aberdeen: Wednesday 5th November from 6.30pm.
Wrap up warm for one of Scotland’s best-loved Bonfire Night events. Aberdeen’s Fireworks Night is the official launch party for the city’s winter festival, taking place on the beach, with the city skyline becoming a multi-coloured spectacle. The evening begins with a firewalk, where several brave souls walk across hot coals to raise money for local charity Inspire Aberdeen. The heat theme continues with fire juggling and a fire and light display, before an energetic 20 minute fireworks display set to music. Stand on the Beach Boulevard and along the Beach Esplanade for the best views.