Bonfire night 2024 — The Guy Fawkes fireworks displays across England under £15
IT’S that time of year again, when we need to remember, remember, the fifth of November.
Britain’s annual Bonfire Night celebration goes back centuries. Here we have an essential guide to all the best fireworks displays for under £15.
Every year Brits like nothing more than standing round a warm bonfire and watching a spectacular fireworks display go off.
Steeped in history, Bonfire Night has been an annual occasion since the 1600s.
Big events are going on up and down the country, and many of them don’t break the bank to attend.
Some fireworks displays can cost no more than £15 a ticket, while others are completely free.
Battersea Park Fireworks, London
November 2 from 6pm and November 3 from 4.30pm
Running over two days, this incredible event is brought to you by the same people who do London‘s New Year Eve display.
This family outing is filled with entertainment, a bonfire and of course fireworks.
Wrap up warm for this event in South London, where there will also be plenty of food and drink on offer.
Cost: Adult £13.10, child £8.80, under 5s free
Fireworks Extravaganza, Mayfield Park, Manchester
November 1 to 3 from 5.30pm (each night)
If you live in the north why not bundle up and head out to Manchester‘s Mayfield Park for their Fireworks Extravaganza.
Happening over three nights, this display always gets rave reviews, and sees thousands of revellers attend.
Another perk is all children get a free sparkler to enjoy.
There will also be mulled wine for the adults to buy, as well as hot chocolate and candy floss.
Cost: Adult £10, child £6, under 3s free
Midsummer Common Bonfire Night, Cambridge
November 5 from 7pm
Brought to you by Cambridge City Council, this much-loved event has been running for years and is always a big hit.
It is known for being one of the largest free displays in the local area and takes place on Midsummer Common.
Around 20,000 people are predicted to attend, so expect it to be busy.
Cost: Donations of at least £3 per person are encouraged.
Low Noise Fireworks at Old Down Country Park, Bristol
November 4 from 5pm and November 5 from 5pm
This event is aimed at families, especially ones with young children.
The display uses special bang-free fireworks, hence the name.
There will also be fairground rides, food stalls and live music for the whole family to enjoy.
Cost: Adult £13, child £9, under 2s free
The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary, Devon
November 5 from 7pm
This iconic event kicks off with a parade of flaming tar barrels carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary in Devon.
The barrels are lit outside local pubs and put onto the shoulders of the historical “barrel rollers”.
Please be aware, this event has a bonfire but no fireworks display.
Cost: Free
Lewes Bonfire Night, Lewes, East Sussex
November 5 from 5pm
This fireworks event has been running for over 300 years, and attracts around 80,000 spectators every year.
This traditional bonfire night includes all the trimmings and has a whole host of activities to keep the family entertained.
There are also food and drink stalls, to help make the night even better.
Cost: Adults £10
Fireworks displays for over £15
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London
November 2 from 4pm and November 3 from 6pm
If you’re willing to splash out a bit more on Bonfire Night, head to Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival.
This North London event has everything to keep the family entertained.
Not only will there be fireworks, but there is also ice skating and fairground rides on offer.
There is a beer festival going on plus live music from The Cuban Brothers (Friday) and Artful Dodger (Saturday)
Cost: Adult £18, child 11-15 £12, child under 11 £6.50
Chatsworth House Firework Display, Derbyshire
November 1 to 2 from 6pm (each night)
Taking place over two nights, this family friendly event is promising a huge bonfire as well as an impressive fireworks display.
There will also be food stalls which includes a delicious hog roast.
There is also the option of an adult-only two-course dinner before the firework display, which is served in the Cavendish Restaurant.
Cost: £22 for adults; £15 for children (aged 4-16).
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Kent
November 9 and 10 from 2pm (each day)
Leeds Castle in Kent is the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display.
Set in the moat of the famous landmark, revellers will be treated to live music and a fairground.
Anyone arriving early can also enjoy the castle’s maze, as well as its play areas and adventure golf.
Cost: Adult £27, child £18, under 3s free
The history behind Bonfire Night
Every year, Bonfire Night falls on November 5.
The famous rhyme: “Remember, remember the fifth of November,” relates to the celebration as it marks the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot on November 5, 1605.
The plot revolved around a group of Catholic revolutionaries who wanted revenge for the persecution of their religious faith in England.
By renting a house near the Houses of Parliament, one of the plotters, Guy “Guido” Fawkes, managed to smuggle 36 barrels of gunpowder under the building – ready to blow it sky high.
However, he was caught and sentenced to execution.
Many think he was burnt at the stake, but this isn’t true – he died after he broke his neck when he fell from the gallows.