Lord Mayor’s Show London – Saturday, November 8th
There are many fireworks displays throughout the city this week, but the most well-known occurs on Friday as the conclusion to the Lord Mayor’s Show. Now 799 years old, the modern show, when the newly elected city mayor travelled upriver to Westminster with a flotilla to swear his loyalty to the king, only resembles that of 1215 in aesthetics. An assortment of boats still sail up the Thames in the river pageant, this is followed by a street procession and closes with a giant firework display. The riverside between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges tends to provide the best view of the show.
Cost: Free Time: flotilla at 8.30 am, procession at 11 am, fireworks 5 pm
Midsummer Common, Cambridge - Wednesday, November 5th
A little far from the station, but well worth the walk, Midsummer Common in central Cambridge attracts around 25,000 people to its annual fireworks display which can also be viewed from Jesus green. There will be a fire show between 6.45 and 7.20 pm by fire dancers Phoenix Performance as people arrive from Maids Causeway. The pyrotechnics are followed by the lighting of the bonfire and a funfair from 6-10pm.
Cost: Free (donations of £1 are encouraged) Time: 7.30 pm
Glasgow Green – Wednesday, November 5th
Scotland’s largest firework display is held in Glasgow’s 15 th century park situated within walking distance of the city centre, east of the Saltmarket. Food and drink stalls open in the afternoon with live entertainment throughout the day hosted by local radio stars and a funfair at 5.30.
Cost: Free Time: gates at 4, fireworks at 7.30
Roundhay Park, Leeds - Wednesday, November 5th
Covering 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodand, Roundhay is one of the largest urban parks in the world and attracts thousands to its annual bonfire and fireworks.
Cost: free Time: 7.30
Lewes, East Sussex - Wednesday November 5th
Britain's largest Bonfire night celebrations take place in Lewes. Not only are they carried out to mark Guy Fawke’s infamous failed plot, the East Sussex celebration also commemorates the memory of the seventeen Protestant martyrs from the town burned at the stake for religious crimes during reign of Mary I. For one night each year y ou’d be forgiven for believing that Lewes is a town of pyromaniacs; six local bonfire societies are joined by around 30 visiting groups and dozens of marching bands, each with their own parades and costumes. Seventeen burning crosses are carried through the streets to commemorate the 17 martyrs and the event culminates with enormous bonfires on the hills around town followed by spectacular firework displays. The event has been known to attract 80,000 spectators – quadrupling the town’s permanent population, so beware of taking young children as Lewes's winding, medieval streets get crowded and chaotic in the frenzy.
Cost: Free Time: 5 pm - 1 am
