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 "Remember, remember The Fifth of November Gunpowder treason and plot We see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot..."  It’s no wonder British children can recall the rhyme; every year there are massive celebrations to commemorate the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. Four hundred years ago, Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes and his gang of accomplices attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and the King, James I, along with it. The group were executed for treason but they are remembered every year as children the length and breadth of the country make effigies of the infamous traitor to burn on large bonfires. This uniquely British commemoration of our past also sees thousands of fireworks being blasted into the sky in imitation of the plot's explosive failure. It all sounds a bit gruesome but these days it’s all in the name of fun. Across London there are scores of municipal displays as well as thousands of private parties. Residents regard their local displays as a source of pride and huge crowds gather to "ohh" and "ahh" as 1000s of pounds worth of pyrotechnics are sent up in smoke. Not only is Bonfire Night a spectacular occasion - fun for kids, with a bit of community spirit - but it gives you a chance to get outside, grab a piping hot snack and a glass of mulled wine and gaze into the skies with the rest of London.  Tooting Bec Saturday 29 October 2005 Halloween’s not even been and gone but the fireworks are already shooting up into the sky. Taking place way down south, this is one of three events planned in the borough of Wandsworth. This friendly neighbourhood with many handy pubs should expect a big turnout for this Saturday night event. Refreshments will be available, so you can grab a tasty snack and a drink and raise a toast as the Guy toasts! Once it’s over, remember to reset your watch, the clocks go back at midnight. Venue: Tooting Bec Common Address: Tooting Bec Road, SW17 Phone: 020 8871 6363 Date: 29 October 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: FREE Nearest Station: Tooting Bec Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Wandsworth Park Wednesday 2 November 2005 There's another early bonfire spectacle at Wandsworth Park - a small but pleasant corner of the borough near Putney Bridge. The park’s attractive grassland, dotted with small copses, are filled with crowds, colour and Catherine Wheels on the night and there is full access for those with disabilities. This is a free event and again refreshments will be available. Venue: Wandsworth Park Address: Putney Bridge Road, SW18 Phone: 020 8871 6363 Date: 2 November 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: FREE Nearest Station: Putney Bridge Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information   Clapham Common Friday 4 November 2005 The most dazzling of Lambeth Council’s three spectacular displays takes place on Clapham’s famous green space. Food stalls serve mouth-watering snacks throughout the night and those in need of a quick pint are advised to head to the nearby Windmill pub. The display takes place at the Rookery Road end of the Common. Crowds of 40,000 are expected so get there early to ensure a good view! Venue: Clapham Common Address: Clapham Common Road, SW4 Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 4 November 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: FREE Nearest Station: Clapham Common Tube / Clapham High Street Rail Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Streatham Common Friday 4 November 2005 Catch the South London vibe at this fantastic free fireworks event. Fun for all the family is guaranteed with funfair rides and refreshments available. The display takes place on top of the hill on the common. It is best to approach from Streatham High Road. Venue: Streatham Common Address: Streatham Common South, SW16 Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 4 November 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: FREE Nearest Station: Streatham Rail Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Brockwell Park Friday 4 November 2005 The young and energetic residents of Brixton and Herne Hill make this attractive display into a memorable party, set against the amazing views of London from the top of the hill. Venue: Brockwell Park Address: Herne Hill Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 4 November 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: FREE Nearest Station: Brixton Tube  Brighton Race Course Friday 4 November 2005 You can never rely on a bet on the gee-gees but it’s a dead cert that Southern FM’s annual Guy Fawkes gala will light your fire. Brighton itself isn’t all about summer afternoons at the beach – after all this eye-catching seaside town is home to the fabulous shops and boutiques of The Lanes – and at this time of year it isn’t awash with Londoners rushing for the sun, so it’s a great place to head for a day trip with a spectacular fireworks display to round it off. This year’s event promises live music, a fairground and entertainers, so there’s something for us all to enjoy. Not many visitors have time to see the whole of the UK but it’s worth glimpsing a slice of the provinces and, situated only a short train ride from central London, Brighton seems a shrewd choice. Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge and take approximately an hour. Venue: Brighton Race Course Address: Freshfield Road, East Sussex Phone: 01273 603 580 Date: 4 November Time: Doors 18:30 Price: £10 (Adults), £6 (Children) Nearest Station: Brighton Rail  Bishop's Park Friday 4 November 2005 This Fulham fiesta is the west London warm up to Saturday’s huge event at Ravenscourt Park. Fireworks are provided by top supplier Paines who put the sparkle into events like the opening of the Globe Theatre and the BBC Proms in the Park. There is food, drink and also fairground rides for all ages. The finale combines fireworks and a breathtaking laser display. For those who want to enjoy Bonfire Night without the pressure of big crowds Bishop's Park is the ideal choice to make your evening go with a bang. Venue: Bishop's Park Address: Stevenage Road, SW6 Phone: Info 020 8753 3597, Tickets 020 7736 3854 Date: 4 November 2005 Time: 18:30 Price: £5 on gate, £3.75 in advance Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Wimbledon Park Friday 4 November 2005 SW19 is an address synonymous with the All England Lawn Tennis Championships. This firework extravaganza, however, gives us another excuse to take a trip to Wimbledon. It might be right on the outskirts of the capital but this annual display packs an explosive punch. A jaunt around the sidestalls and fairground will warm you up before the grand finale. Venue: Wimbledon Park Address: Home Park Road, SW19 Phone: 020 8545 3235 Date: 4 November 2005 Time: Gates 17:15, first display 18:30, second display 20:15 Price: £6 (Adults), £4 (Under-18s), FREE (Under-5s) Nearest Station: Southfields Tube / Wimbledon Park Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Alexandra Palace Saturday 5 November 2005 London’s premier fireworks display takes place at this well-known landmark affectionately referred to as “The People’s Palace.” It first opened in 1873 as a massive Victorian entertainment centre and has hosted a fireworks spectacular for the past hundred years, illuminating the city skyline in a glorious fashion. Admission is by donation and every year the list of extra attractions grows bigger and better with an indoor funfair and an ice rink. Adults can relax with a drink at the Phoenix bar or sample the delights of the Beer and Food Festival. This year the firework countdown will be broadcast live on Capital FM. This event is a north London institution. Venue: Alexandra Palace Address: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 Phone: 020 8365 2121 Time: 16:30 (Doors Open) 19:30 (Fireworks) Price: By Donation (£2 suggestion) Nearest Station: Wood Green Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Battersea Park Saturday 5 November 2005 Battersea Park’s beautiful riverside setting hosts the biggest and best display south of the river. This flagship event features a massive bonfire and monster fireworks including all the old favourites such as rockets, Catherine Wheels and Roman Candles. It is a truly impressive show. Family entertainment is also provided throughout the night and crowds often reach 40,000 so get there early and remember to wrap up warm! LondonTown.com tip: If you don't want to pay and don't like loud pop music with your fireworks, this display can be seen from miles around and looks particularly lovely reflected in the water from the other side of the Thames. Venue: Battersea Park Address: Battersea, SW4 Phone: 020 8871 6363 Date: 5 November 2005 Time: 19:30 Price: £4, FREE (Under 10s) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Blackheath Saturday 5 November 2005 Blackheath fireworks totally light up the Lewisham skyline. This show gets more spectacular every year, and 2005 should see some truly surprising special effects. The council are keeping the details hidden until the night but are keen to encourage a family-friendly vibe with extra entertainment and refreshment stalls. The show is preceeded by other entertainments too. Venue: Blackheath Address: Shooters Hill, SE3 Phone: 0870 608 2000 Date: 5 November 2005 Time: FREE Price: Fireworks 20:00 Nearest Station: Blackheath Rail Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information Ravenscourt Park Saturday 5 November 2005 West London’s favourite bonfire night draws a massive crowd. The park is a superb space, and there's a truly gigantic bonfire to warm the crowds before a spectacular show which is among the most extravagant in London, exploding almost a million pounds worth of fabulous pyrotechnics in a sustained, jaw-dropping display. Once again Albert's Instant Circus will provide fairground fun and some terrifying rides, and there are masses of refreshments on sale. One of the most remarkable things about this event is the buzz in the crowd as you approach, walking along picturesque suburban streets. The people of west London are justifiably proud of this world-class spectacle which lights the sky for over half an hour. Ravenscourt Park is easily the best local display in London and probably the best choice for parents of young children. Venue: Ravenscourt Park Address: Ravenscourt Road, W6 Phone: Info 020 8753 3597, tickets 020 7736 3854 Date: 5 November 2005 Time: 18:30 Price: £5 on gate, £3.75 in advance Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Lewes Saturday 5 November 2005 Lewes in East Sussex lays on arguably the best Bonfire Night celebrations in the UK. The festivities have a dark past pre-dating Guy Fawkes... In the 16th century, during a shocking wave of persecution, Mary I had 17 Protestants burnt at the stake in the town. The townsfolk march in their memory. The five Bonfire Societies which contend to produce the best processions and firework displays were created in the 19th century, to bring order to the proceedings after previous November 5th celebrations deteriorated into a flaming, drunken riot in which some houses were razed to the ground. The Societies originally represented different areas of the town. In Lewes, Bonfire Night is also an enormous fancy dress party. This tradition stems from the fact that, before the formation of the Societies, the Bonfire Boys, as they were known, had to disguise themselves from the authorities! As the streets fill with smoke, the locals wielding burning barrels and crosses, begin to toss bangers hither and thither. The boisterousness calms down as night wears on and everyone flocks up the hills outside town to the bonfires for fabulous views of fireworks for miles around. Only a one hour train ride from London Victoria station in central London, there’s no excuse for missing the flames and frivolity or the excitement and explosions of this historic event. Venue: Lewes, Sussex Phone: 01273 484 003 Date: 5 November 2005 Time: First procession 17:30, last at midnight Price: Varies, depending on which bonfire you attend. Tickets for the Cliffe Society Bonfire are available in advance in person from the Lewes Tourist Information Office from October Nearest Station: Lewes Rail  Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Saturday 12 November 2005 The last firework spectacular of the month has nothing to do with Guy Fawkes, it is in fact the closing event of the Lord Mayor’s Show and marks the beginning of a new mayoral year. Indeed, it is possibly the most hazardous and remarkable of all the public shows in the capital. A massive river barge is piled high with half a tonne of explosives and set adrift on the Thames with several brave men on board. The fireworks are let off between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges, not far from the scene of Guy Fawkes’ attempted crime. Some of the fireworks reach heights of up to 600 feet, visible from miles around. Wrap up warm and head for the river. The best vantage points are situated around the Embankment and Gabriel's Wharf. If you are really on the ball, get there early and grab the best seats in the house in the public gallery of the Oxo Tower. Venue: River Thames Phone: 020 7332 1456 Date: 12 November 2005 Time: 17:00, following Lord Mayor's Procession Price: FREE Nearest Station: Embankment Tube / Blackfriars Tube Click Here for Local Travel and Hotel Information  Did you know? - Reflecting the sectarian roots of the festival, people have traditionally burnt models of Guy Fawkes and the Pope on their bonfires. These days you see many popular figures such as politicians and international terrorist masterminds atop the burning heaps. - The tradition of autumn bonfires is more ancient than the Gunpowder Plot with some historians tracing it back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, the precursor of Halloween. - All but one of Guy Fawkes’ co-conspirators was gruesomely hung, drawn and quartered. Perhaps Francis Tresham had a lucky escape when he died of illness in the Tower of London in December 1605. - The word ‘bonfire’ comes from ‘bone fire’, revealing the macabre purpose the fires once had. |
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