Bonfire Night is nearly upon us, and as people start to stock up on homemade fireworks and prepare the guy for his ceremonial burning, you may be asking yourself where you can find the best Bonfire Night across the UK. So here are five of the best, all of which will provide you with a very different experience.
Bonfire Shot by Gwen and James Anderson
1. Lewes, East Sussex
Bonfire Night is one of the most important events in the historic Lewes calendar, and it is celebrated in style. The night is actually a double celebration, combining the traditional Gunpowder Plot and the anniversary of the execution of 17 protestant martyrs in the mid-16th century.
You’ll be able to watch a number of torchlit processions around the town, and the participants dressed up in all kinds of costumes lend the night a real carnival atmosphere. There are also a number of huge bonfires and firework displays to enjoy, and watch out for effigies of well-known figures such as politicians which are burnt atop of the bonfires.
2. Battle, East Sussex
Battle provides one of the best bonfire celebrations to be found anywhere in the UK. Located not far from Lewes, Battle has celebrated bonfire night for centuries, and the modern-day celebrations will make you feel like you have gone back in time.
Over 30 bonfire societies join in the fun, and you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacle of a torchlit procession where the participants dress up in various costumes so you will see nuns, monks, Saxons, pirates and many more parading down the high street.
Following the procession towards ancient Battle Abbey, the fun moves onto a nearby field for the excellent firework display and the detonation of the year’s effigy.
3. Ottery St Mary, Devon
Flaming tar barrels rolled through the town are the ancient tradition on the streets of Ottery St Mary on Bonfire Night, so watch out if you choose to head here for the celebrations. Although no one is exactly sure where this tradition comes from, the locals are very proud of it all the same.
You’ll also be able to enjoy a huge bonfire, lots of fireworks and fairground rides at an annual celebration which some claim dates back further than the Gunpowder Plot itself.
4. Blackheath, London
The Blackheath bonfire celebrations are widely regarded as the best in London. You’ll find an excellent firework display here where the fireworks are actually choreographed with the music, and all around there is a fantastic atmosphere to bring the celebration to life.
5. Inverness, Scotland
Bught Park is the setting in Inverness for arguably Scotland’s most impressive firework display of the year. This is a free event which anyone can attend, and you will find not only a giant bonfire and funfair rides, but the event also attracts some large musical acts each year making the night a very popular annual event in Scotland.
