While we may have missed out on Bonfire Night celebrations and fireworks last year due to the pandemic, the annual event is back with a bang for 2021.
Despite the event being a month away, celebrations across the nation have already begun to be announced.
And, Dulwich Sports Club is set to hold Britain’s first ‘green’ Bonfire Night with a virtual bonfire and sparklers banned from the event. However, there will still be a traditional fireworks display.
But what is the meaning behind Bonfire Night and when is it being held in 2021?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the autumnal celebration.
What date is Bonfire Night 2021?
Bonfire Night is traditionally on November 5 every year.
However, as it falls on a different day of the week every year, many event organisers will hold firework displays on days closer to the weekend.
That is less likely to be the case this year as Bonfire Night falls on a Friday.
What is the meaning behind Bonfire Night and why do we celebrate it?
Bonfire Night originates from the day that Guy Fawkes attempted and failed to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 with gunpowder.
He was one of a gang of Roman Catholic activists that were looking to assassinate King James I as part of the Gunpowder Plot.
The dispute was due to religious reasons as England was a Protestant country at the time, but the plotters were Catholic and wanted England to be Catholic again.
The gang placed 36 barrels of gunpowder in cellars underneath the Houses of Parliament, but the plot did not go to plan as a member of the group warned their friend in Parliament. The group were arrested and executed.
The anniversary is marked with fireworks each year because gunpowder is found within them, too.
There is also often a bonfire at events across the UK, with a dummy man or figure at the top of the fire to represent Guy Fawkes.
What are the best ones across the UK?
As one of England’s favourite Bonfire Night celebrations, people will be pleased to know Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is back for 2021 on Saturday, November 6. Aside from a breathtaking display, there’s everything from a German Beer Fiest to fire jugglers and funfair rides. Family tickets start from £35.50.
Held over two days, Wimbledon Park Fireworks is also returning on November 5 and 6 with a fireworks display, street food village, and funfair rides. Sparklers will not be allowed in the venue, along with alcohol or dogs. Family tickets cost £26.75 when bought in advance, and individual tickets are only available on the door for £10 – so be sure to book in advance.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is also hosting a 25th birthday Fireworks Spectacular to coincide with Bonfire Night from November 5 to 7. Families can celebrate with the LEGO crew and Olly the Dragon as they watch the fireworks display with 3D Brick Glasses. Tickets cost £44 per person and include full-day access to the park.
One of the UK’s most renowned Bonfire Night celebrations, Lewes Bonfire, is being held on November 5 throughout the Sussex town. Seven societies, including Lewes Borough and Cliffe, will be holding an array of fireworks displays and processions wearing their individual costumes. You will need to buy tickets for the chosen society event you attend from independent retailers or pubs in Lewes, or the Lewes tourist information centre. To buy tickets online, visit the individual society websites.
The 11Arches Pyromusical returns on Saturday, November 6, with a 25-minute display set to musical favourites in Bishop’s Auckland, County Durham. There’ll be a 7.5-acre stage and capacity for 8,000 seated visitors. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children under 17.
One of north Shropshire’s largest outdoor nature reserves, Alderford Lake in Whitchurch, will be hosting both a sound-sensitive and main fireworks display for Bonfire Night. Held on November 6, you can catch the quieter display at 7pm, or the full shebang at 8pm. Advanced tickets cost £11.95 per adult and £9.95 per child.
Liverpool’s Hurlston Hall Bonfire Night Party at Hurlston Hall in Ormskirk, offers fireworks, a ‘huge’ bonfire, and more on Friday, November 5 from 5pm onwards. Tickets are £6 for children and £11.25 for adults.
Towcester Firework Frenzy at Towcester Racecourse, on Friday, November 5, is great for those who aren’t a fan of loud displays. You’ll get to enjoy an evening of silent fireworks, laser displays, and a drone display – bliss! Tickets are £22.20 per person with the early bird deal, but kids under five enter for free.
To celebrate Colchester Castle Park’s (slightly delayed) anniversary and Bonfire Night, the venue is hosting a fireworks display with charity King Coels’ Kittens. There will be entertainment for all the family and tickets will be available soon.
In Scotland, Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian is hosting the annual fireworks. However, despite admission to the event being free, its 5,000 tickets can only go to those with an EH21 postcode.
In Wales, Carmarthen Round Table’s Charity Fireworks Bonanza is back, on Friday, November 5, with a fireworks display, children’s funfair, stalls and hot food. All the money raised on the night will go back into the local community. Tickets and prices have not yet been released.
On the same night, the Rowing Club is hosting the Town Bonfire in Monmouth with a display, burgers, and views over the River Wye from 6pm. Tickets cost £5 per adult, £3 per child and £12 for a family of four.
While it could be moved to Monday, November 8 if the weather wreaks havoc with the event, The Llandudno fireworks display should be going ahead on Sunday, November 7 from 6.20pm. It’ll be held at the picturesque location of North Shore Beach. Ticket prices are not currently available.
We’ll be adding more events as they’re announced, so keep an eye out for them.
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