Oooooohh, Ahhhh…. Brilliant Bonfire Night Events

Sussex

Wrap up warm for an adventure in the seaside town of Hastings. Roads are closed to accommodate a torch-lit procession, made up of hundreds of volunteers from the Hastings Borough Bonfire Society. Watch as the town is  illuminated with a display of colourful fireworks or have the kids take part in a guy-making competition, then watch the winning entry burn on the bonfire.

Hastings is just one of the many FREE bonfire events held in Sussex, we also highly recommend experiencing all on offer in Eastbourne town or the quaint towns of Battle and Lewes.

Kent

One of the biggest firework displays in the UK is held at Leeds castle in Maidstone. The 2-day event, held on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2019, is set to thrill - as the sky is lit with 25,000 fireworks! Each year adopts a different theme, with this year’s tribute to ‘Around the world’. The event will include live music, a maze and play area with a ton of food and drink! There is no bonfire scheduled but with so much else on, the experience is like no other.

One of our personal favourites, just a stone’s throw from our holiday park in Birchington, is another exciting bonfire celebration, taking place in Quex Park. Also held on the 2nd of November 2019 with multiple firework displays throughout the evening (one set to 80’s music), a bonfire and Bon Jovi tribute band!

Devon

Devon hosts ‘The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary’ which is one of the oldest and quirkiest bonfire night events in the UK and attracts thousands of people from all over. Not for the faint-hearted, tar soaked barrels weighing up to 5 stone are set alight and carried through the town! With crowds of at least 15,000 people, processions have been moved to alternative days to accommodate the main event.

‘Barrel rollers’ are Ottery locals and picked as families of previous generations who took part in the event - even children as young as 7 have participated! As expected, due to the large crowds and intense, adrenaline-filled environment, it’s recommended those using pushchairs/wheelchairs do not attend.

Are you brave enough?

Suffolk

Fancy something more intimate? Felixstowe Firework Spectacular promises stunning views. With a 20-minute professional firework display, bring the kids for an exciting evening as colours light up the sky. Perfect for those with smaller children, and without the huge crowds of some of the larger events.

There are so many fantastic bonfire night events around the country, whether you’re looking for a lively evening or an intimate celebration. Which one will you be attending?