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November is the month that likes to go with a bang - and an explosive one at that. The 5th November marks Guy Fawkes' failed plot to blow up Parliament with the kind of pyrotechnics Mr Fawkes could only dream of. This year there's a host of fireworks displays, processions, festivals and funfairs planned across the capital.
Fireworks are also a very apt way to celebrate the Hindu festival Diwali, or 'Festival of Lights', and there are two glittering displays taking place in Brent, at Barham Park and at the spectacular Neasden Temple, to mark the occasion in sparkling style. The biggest of the capital's fireworks is the finale to the Lord Mayor's Show when the newly appointed Lord Mayor takes office. With more than half a tonne of fireworks released in half an hour, sky rocketing over the Thames, it's an awe inspiring sight that can be seen for miles around. ![]() Alexandra Palace Fireworks
Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY 3rd November 2007 One of London's longest running firework displays 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. Its elevated vantage point overlooking a wide open parkland means there's no ugly scuffling to get to the 'best' spot. And, in addition to the pyrotechnics right in front of you, there are marvellous views of other firework displays across east London. Admission is by donation and every year the list of extra attractions like an indoor funfair and ice rink makes this one of the better bonfire nights and a north London institution. Venue: Alexandra Palace Way Address: Wood Green, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 2121 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 16:30 Doors open | 19:30 Fireworks Pricing: By Donation (£2 suggestion) Nearest Station: Wood Green Tube Alexandra Palace Fireworks - Information ![]() Battersea Park Firework Display
Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ 3rd November 2007 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 Park Road, SW11 4NJ Phone: 020 8871 6363 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 18:30 Gates open | 19:30 Bonfire | 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: £5 (Adults), £1 (Children Under 10) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube / Battersea Park Rail Battersea Park Firework Display - Information ![]() Bishop's Park Fireworks
Bishops Park, SW6 6SX 2nd November 2007 This Fulham fiesta, next to the famous football ground, is the west London warm-up to Saturday's huge event at Ravenscourt Park. Especially suited to parents with young children, there's no scary bonfire and fairground rides and an early-evening firework display just for younger children. Visitors are also asked to leave the alcohol and sparklers at home. There is food and drink for all ages, finishing off with a sparkling fireworks display. The pyrotechnics are provided by top supplier Pains who put the sparkle into events like Rod Steward's Stadium Tour this year and Kew Gardens' Summer Swing Concerts. 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. Viewing for people with disabilities: Craven Cottage Gate, Stevenage Road. Venue: Bishop's Park Address: Bishop's Avenue, SW6 6SX Phone: 08700 500 511 Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 18:30 Gates open | 19:15 Chidren's fireworks | Approx 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: £4 (Advance), £5 (On the gate), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway Tube Bishop's Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Blackheath Fireworks
Blackheath, SE3 8PR 3rd November 2007 Blackheath fireworks totally light up the Lewisham skyline on this Saturday night in November. This Guy Fawkes show gets more spectacular every year, and 2007 should see some truly surprising special effects. Details have yet to be revealed but the 'village' atmosphere of the area is sure to mean there'll be a family-friendly vibe. You can also bet on some additional fairground rides and refreshment stalls to keep the expected 40,000 visitors entertained. There is a note of caution from the organisers though: don't drive to this event. We can back them up on this from personal experience, you won't get within a mile of the place in your car so get the train and avoid the stress - the nearest stop is Blackheath and it's around a 10-minute walk to the heath from Lewisham station. Alternatively, you can see the Blackheath fireworks from the bottom of the Isle of Dogs, with Greenwich lit up in the foreground making for some great photo opportunities. Venue: Blackheath Phone: 0870 608 2000 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Blackheath Rail Blackheath Fireworks - Information ![]() Brockwell Park Fireworks
Brockwell Park, SE24 0EN 2nd November 2007 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 within the 124-acre park, spectators enjoy a good vantage point from the top of the hill near to Brockwell Hall, a handsome Regency lodge. This is one of three pyrotechnic displays being organised by Lambeth Council to celebrate the run-up to Guy Fawkes Day: "Remember, remember the 5th of November". With spectacular displays like this taking place across the capital throughout the weekend, how could we forget? Venue: Brockwell Park Address: Dulwich Road, SE24 0EN Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Herne Hill Rail Brockwell Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Clapham Common Fireworks
Clapham Common, SW4 9DA 2nd November 2007 The most dazzling of Lambeth Council's three spectacular displays takes place on Clapham's famous green space, with the whizz-bangs being set off at the Rookery Road end of the Common. Within Lambeth on the same night you can also see displays at Brockwell Park and Streatham Common. But here the fireworks are provided by current Pyromusical Champions, Festival Fireworks and you can also visit food stalls and sample mouth-watering snacks throughout the night. If all that star gazing has worked up a thirst and you're in need of a quick pint, we recommend heading to the nearby Windmill pub which also serves as a convenient place to meet up with your mates. This is a popular event and crowds of 40,000 are expected so getting there early is advised. Venue: Clapham Common Address: Clapham High Street, SW4 9DA Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Clapham Common Tube Clapham Common Fireworks - Information ![]() Diwali at Barham Park
Barham Park, HA0 2HB 3rd November 2007 It may be Guy Fawkes weekend and there are certainly going to be fireworks but these celebrations have nothing to do with gunpowder, treason or plot. Diwali, the 'Festival of Light', is the cause of all the bangs and whistles in Barham Park this Saturday in November. The festival, marking the Hindu New Year, has religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and is celebrated by many of the capital's South Asian communities. Especially for the happy occasion, a colourful gathering of traditional floats and spectacular carnival costumes parade the streets from Alperton Tube station (departing 5.30pm) to Barham Park (arriving at 6.30pm) where a fireworks spectacular finishes the celebrations in style. Just make sure you're there before 6.45pm to secure a good view. But the fun doesn't stop after the last firework has sizzled out. After the display, head to the Music Stage for comedy and dance performances. Acts to look out for include dance performances by South Asian troupe The Federation of Patidar Associations and British Asian artists Rishi Rich. Upping the tempo, Taz-Stereo Nation bring you a fine collection of pop classics. All this and there's still room for performance workshops, refreshments, and funfair rides. More than 20,000 people came to last year's celebration and with this year's event coinciding with the November 5th explosions, you can expect one great, big party. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 1pm - Rangoli Exhibition, Ealing Road Library 5.30pm - 6.30pm Ealing Road Parade, starting at Alperton Tube 6.30pm - Parade arrives at Barham Park 7.30pm - Music and Fireworks, Barham Park Venue: Barham Park Address: 660 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA0 2HB Phone: 020 8937 3119 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 17:30 Parade departs Alperton Tube Station | 18:30 Parade arrives Barham Park | 19:30 Fireworks Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Alperton Tube / Sudbury Town Tube Diwali at Barham Park - Information ![]() Diwali at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, NW10 8LD 9th November 2007 The largest Hindu temple outside India, Neasden Temple - or the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to give it its full name - makes a spectacular backdrop for a fireworks display. Lit up by a clutch of colourful fireworks, the explosions around the Mandir's towering marble pinnacles celebrate Diwali, the 'Festival of Lights' - a significant date religiously for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The temple, usually a centre for quiet worship with signs indicating that silence is requested, will be a riot of squeals, bangs and colour. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by stalls offering mouth-watering food and a range of fun for all the family. Close your eyes and you could believe you are in India. Venue: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Address: 105/115 Brentfield Road, Neasden, NW10 8LD Phone: 020 8965 2651 Date: 9th November 2007 Time: 19:00 - 22:00. Fireworks 20:00 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Stonebridge Park Tube or Rail / Neasden Tube Diwali at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Information ![]() Ealing Cricket Club Fireworks
Ealing Cricket Club, W5 2HS 3rd November 2007 So what if Daniel Craig isn't billed to make an appearance at the Ealing Cricket Club fireworks, James Bond fans can still enjoy the 007 theme (007 for 2007, of course). You can expect your favourite Bond theme tunes like Madonna's 'Die Another Day' and Duran Duran's 'A View to a Kill' blasting out as the fireworks explode over the pavilion. This lively cricket club's social calendar includes a summer ball, quiz night and St Patrick's Day lunch as well as bowling one or two overs. For the fireworks on Saturday night its gates are open to both members and the general public for a bonfire, BBQ and mulled wine as well as the usual fun rides, novelty stalls and candy floss. A hit for six. Venue: Ealing Cricket Club Address: Corfton Road, W5 2HS Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 18:00 Gates open | 19:30 Fireworks & Bonfire Pricing: £5 (Adults), £3 (Children Under 14 - accompanied) Nearest Station: Ealing Broadway Tube / Rail Ealing Cricket Club Fireworks - Information ![]() Enfield Town Park Fireworks
Enfield Town Park, EN2 6TW 3rd November 2007 Enfield Town Park is the place to be for fireworks if you're in this part of north London, ten miles out of the centre of town. With the New River, built to supply water to London from Hertfordshire, running through the park, it should make for some picturesque reflections of the colourful lights on the water. Among the town's historically significant claims is the fact that it was site of the world's first ATM, installed in a branch of Barclays 40 years ago - so at least you can rest assured you'll be able to draw money while you're here. Entertainment around this year's fireworks includes a soundtrack provided by Enfield Radio and family funfair until 10pm. Enfield always puts on a fabulous display so get there when the park's gates open at 6pm, in plenty of time for the fireworks at 8pm for what should be one of the friendliest displays in the capital this year. Venue: Enfield Town Park Address: Cecil Road, EN2 6TW Phone: 020 8379 4406 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 18:00 Gates open | 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: £5 (Adults), £3 (Children) Nearest Station: Enfield Town Rail Enfield Town Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Kingsmeadow Centre Fireworks Display
Kingsmeadow Athletic and Fitness Centre, KT1 3PB 2nd November 2007 Kingston's annual community fireworks event is held in the impressive grounds of Kingsmeadow Centre. Football fans might be more familiar with this venue as the home ground of Kingstonian FC and AFC Wimbledon. But for one night instead of footballs and dribbling skills, the sky is lit up with skyrockets and missiles, flares and fountains. This much-loved annual display, hosted by the local council in partnership with Kingston Round Table and Rotary Club, promises to be full of colour, noise and excitement with children's rides and entertainment too. Firework safety is paramount at this family-orientated event so this does means that no sparklers are permitted on the site. Still, there's sure to be enough bright lights and big bangs on show to keep everyone entertained. Book online at www.kingston.gov.uk/whats_on Venue: Kingsmeadow Athletic and Fitness Centre Address: 422A Kingston Road, KT1 3PB Phone: 020 8547 5016 Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 18:30 Gates open | 19:45 Gates close | 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: £6 (Adults), £4 (Children), Free (Children Under 5). In Advance before 1 Nov: £4 (Adults), £3 (Children) Nearest Station: Kingston Rail Kingsmeadow Centre Fireworks Display - Information ![]() Lord Mayor's Show
Central London, EC4N 8BH 10th November 2007 This annual event has been taking over the streets of London for nearly 800 years now. The parade involves over 6,000 people, bands, over 140 decorated floats, costumed performers, and a gilded State Coach that the Lord Mayor travels in. If you aren't sick of fireworks by this time, this event features possibly the most dangerous and amazing of all the public shows in the capital; river barges are piled high with explosives and set adrift on the Thames with several brave men on board. The best vantage points tend to be 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. The procession leaves Mansion House at 11am after an RAF flypast and travels via St Paul's, the Royal Courts of Justice and Victoria Embankment before returning from Victoria Embankment to Mansion House at 2pm and reaching Mansion House at about 4pm. Then for the grand finale, the day finishes with one of London's most impressive firework displays at 5pm, set off from a barge moored in the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges. Venue: Central London Date: 10th November 2007 Time: 11:00 procession leaves Guildhall for Mansion House | 17:00 Fireworks display takes place on the Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars Pricing: FREE along the route. £21.00 for a grandstand seat (sold out) Nearest Station: Mansion House Tube Lord Mayor's Show - Information ![]() Norman Park Fireworks
Norman Park, BR2 9EF 2nd November 2007 For the sixth successive year showman Billy Davis promises to put on a whizz-banging display at Norman Park to celebrate the 402nd anniversary of Guy Fawkes' plot to ignite Parliament. In addition to the fireworks there will is a large, pay-as-you-ride funfair and all the usual fairground refreshments - hot dogs followed by candy floss, anyone? The gates open at 5pm with the funfair open from 5pm to 10pm and the flashing fireworks starting at 7.30pm. Full marshalling and security ensure that the event is not only fun but safe for children too and those under five get in for free. Venue: Norman Park Address: Hayes Lane, Bromley, BR2 9EF Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 17:00 Gates open | 17:00 - 22:00 Funfair | 19:30 Fireworks | 22:00 Close (subject to good weather) Pricing: £4 (Adults), £2 (Children), Free (Under 5s) On the gate. Nearest Station: Bromley South Rail / Hayes Rail Norman Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Ravenscourt Park Fireworks
Ravenscourt Park, W6 0UB 3rd November 2007 West London's favourite Bonfire Night display draws a massive crowd. The 32-acre park is a superb space, and there's a truly gigantic bonfire to warm the crowds before a spectacular pyrotechnic show which is among the most extravagant in London, exploding almost a million pounds worth of fabulous pyrotechnics in a sustained, jaw-dropping display. One of the most remarkable things about this event is the buzz in the crowd as you approach, walking along picturesque suburban streets. Locals are justifiably proud of this world-class spectacle which lights the sky for over half an hour to a pounding soundtrack. Ravenscourt Park always puts on a great display and being alcohol-free is also a good choice for parents with young children. Viewing for people with disabilities: Opposite the Stamford Hospital on Ravenscourt Park road. Venue: Ravenscourt Park Address: Paddenswick Road, W6 0UB Phone: 08700 500 511 Date: 3rd November 2007 Time: 18:30 Gates open | 19:15 Children's fireworks | 19:30 Bonfire | Approx 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: £4 (Advance), £5 (On the gate), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park Tube Ravenscourt Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Roundwood Park Fireworks
Roundwood Park, NW10 3SH 5th November 2007 One of the few fireworks displays in London taking place on the actual day that Guy Fawkes tried to execute his treasonous plot, this annual display by Brent Council takes place in the picturesque setting of Roundwood Park. This scenic Victorian park - opened in 1895 and Grade II listed - reverberates to the sound of rockets and fire crackers, to the tunes supplied by Channel One Sound System as the north-west London skyline is lit up. Gates open at 6.45pm and half an hour's worth of free fireworks start blasting off at 8pm so make sure you get there in plenty of time to enjoy the music, children's rides, and refreshments stalls. Venue: Roundwood Park Address: Harlesden Road, NW10 3RX Phone: 020 8937 2279 Date: 5th November 2007 Time: 18:45 Gates open | 20:00 Fireworks Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Dollis Hill Tube Roundwood Park Fireworks - Information ![]() Southwark Fireworks at Greenland Dock
Greenland Dock, SE16 7TE 5th November 2007 PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RELOCATED. IT WILL NOW BE HELD AT SOUTHWARK PARK, BERMONDSEY. USE PARK ENTRANCES ON JAMAICA ROAD, LOWER ROAD, SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD OR GOMM ROAD, SE16. LANTERN PARADE STARTS AT 6.30PM, FIREWORKS START AT 7.30PM. The event starts with a lantern parade, with children from two local schools taking part and circling part of the dock. To tie in with the waterside location, the lanterns are themed in the shape of ships and the sea, featuring a large ship as the centrepiece to the procession. The beautiful lantern parade is accompanied by a street band and costumed performers. After the parade comes the fireworks. Venue: Greenland Dock Address: Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, SE16 7TE Date: 5th November 2007 Time: 18:30 - 19:45 Pricing: TBC Nearest Station: Surrey Quays Tube ![]() Streatham Common Fireworks
Streatham Common, SW16 5NJ 2nd November 2007 Catch the south London vibe at this fantastic free fireworks event - one of three displays being hosted by Lambeth Council on the Friday night before Guy Fawkes. Fun for all the family is guaranteed with funfair rides, refreshments and the inevitably teeth-shattering sticky toffee apples. The display takes place on top of the hill on the common so the best approach is from Streatham High Road. Venue: Streatham Common Address: Streatham High Road, SW16 5NJ Phone: 020 7926 1000 Date: 2nd November 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Streatham Rail Streatham Common Fireworks - Information ![]() Thorpe Blast
Thorpe Park, KT16 8PN 2nd November 2007 - 4th November 2007 Thorpe Park has recently cranked up the thrill element to appeal to young adults and families with teenagers. On this special weekend adrenalin junkies can rocket down over 30 spine-tingling rides to a backdrop of fireworks and banging tunes. Thrill-seekers can still scream their way to ecstasy aboard the park's high octane rides too. Braving rollercoasters Stealth, Nemesis Inferno and Colossus in the dark will offer a whole new theme-park experience. Regular trains run direct from Waterloo to Staines - journey times range from 30-40 mins. A shuttle bus operates from Staines to the park, leaving every half hour. Pre-booking recommended. Venue: Thorpe Park Address: Staines Road, Chertsey, KT16 8PN Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: 2nd November 2007 - 4th November 2007 Time: 10:00 - 20:00 Pricing: Advance: £24 (Adults), £16 (Children Under 12). On-the-Gate: £32 (Adults), £20 (Children Under 12) Nearest Station: Staines Rail Thorpe Blast - Information |