Celebrate Guy Fawkes in style
Autumn and Winter are filled with both festive and seasonal celebrations over the course of a few short months. One of the most popular celebrations in the United Kingdom is Guy Fawkes Night, aka Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night. November 5th has now become an evening of celebration and awe-inspiring displays of light that can be seen and heard all around the city of London and beyond.
It’s not uncommon for the United Kingdom to attract visitors from all over the globe to come and take part in the festivities of fireworks, sparklers and the like. The problem with the Guy Fawkes Night becoming such a popular event is that the market is now overly-saturated and now we’re spoilt for choice when deciding which display would be best to attend. We’ve put together a list of our top picks of Firework Displays and Bonfires so you can make an informed decision without too much leg work.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is, quite simply, one of the top displays in the city. Always bringing the best forms of entertainment including a well-known DJ and guest emcee’s (this year it’s Gok Wan); as well as having on hand delicious street food, a bonfire and a German Beer tent which will host a live Oompa band are just a few reasons that The Ally Pally festival is at the top of the celebrations list. Factor in that from Alexandra Palace you get a spectacular panoramic view of the city with the display, it really is a winning combination.
Barnes Bonfire Night
Barnes Bonfire Night is considered to be more of your ‘traditional’ 5th November celebration, there is a costume competition held annually for the ‘best guy’ dress up, the winner is then given the opportunity to ignite the bonfire which is done after the firework display. Street food vendors and a bar serving mulled wine and a selection of other beverages will be on site for all visitors to enjoy. This is a ticketed event and it is recommended that tickets are purchased in advance.
Battersea Park Fireworks
With the Battersea Power Station opening earlier this month it can be expected that this particular firework display will go all out. In fact due to it’s unparalleled success Wandsworth Council have secured to make the event this year a two-day extravaganza. Saturday 5th November sees the larger and louder fireworks display take place, this may not be suitable for younger children, Sunday 6th is your more family-friendly display which includes a virtual light display and a smaller fireworks display for the little ones to enjoy. Food and beverage stalls will be dotted around the area for visitors to enjoy.
Beckenham Fireworks
In a similar vein to Battersea Park Fireworks, Beckenham gives spectators the option of attending two different displays, the first display is more child-focused meaning less loud explosions and more colourful entertainment with the fuller display taking place later the same evening. Fun fair rides, hot food stalls and warm drinks stands can be expected to keep you warm.
If you’re planning on visiting London over this festive period of Guy Fawkes Night and need somewhere to stay then look no further than Mercure London Paddington with a lovely selection of rooms in London and customisable amenities you’ll receive the full 4* experience that you’ll need after braving the cold.
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