The clocks have changed and the nights have drawn in. After a mild October, the temperature has dropped, the leaves are falling and it feels like autumn is here, with winter hot on its heels. November is here and with it comes Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night) and Fireworks. But where are the best places in Wales to enjoy the fireworks this November 5th?
Remember, Remember the fifth of November
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night, is when British people remember the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. As children of every generation learn at school, the Gunpowder Plot was a plan in 1605 to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I and his parliament.
Guy Fawkes Night quickly took its place in the British calendar as a night of thanksgiving and remembrance. For generations, children made effigies of Fawkes which were burned on bonfires.
Although we rarely see children asking for a ‘penny for the Guy’ these days, bonfires and fireworks night are an important part of the British calendar.
Stay safe at an organised display
Over the years, fewer and fewer people have set off fireworks at home. Instead, we’re encouraged to visit organised displays. Organised displays have safety at the forefront – and in general they’re much more impressive than a few fireworks set off at home!
So, here’s a quick roundup of some of the most impressive organised bonfires and firework displays in Wales.
Fireworks and Bonfires in North Wales
Barmouth Bonfire & Fireworks on Saturday 5th November is a real community event, sponsored by local businesses and residents. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and musical fireworks display takes place at 7pm. Free entry but donations encouraged and welcomed.
Beaumaris Bonfire & Fireworks on Angelsey takes place against the beautiful backdrop of the Pier and Menai Strait. The bonfire will be lit at 5pm with the display itself from 7pm. Entry is £5 per person with accompanied children going free. All proceeds go towards future events.
Llandudno Fireworks display is always spectacular – but if you are reading this in November, you’ve already missed it – so make a note for half term next year!
South Wales Fireworks
Blaenau Gwent Fireworks Display, at Eugene Park, Ebbw Vale will be on Sunday 6th November this year. Organised by Ebbw Vale Fire Station with support from numerous local organisations and businesses, the fantastic event has raised over £30,000 for local charities and organisations. Buy tickets on the gate (£5 per person), or in advance via the website or local outlets.
Swansea Bay Fireworks is a free event organised by Swansea Council and takes place along Swansea Bay. Plenty of activities and food and drink stalls are open from 6pm with the display starting at 7pm. For the best view, head for the Promenade between the Cenotaph (near St Helens) and the Civic Centre.
Sophiaworks is Cardiff’s biggest firework display, held at Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan’s Cricket ground, Cardiff on Friday, 4th November from 5.30pm. The organisers promise ‘an exciting evening of live music and family entertainment, including funfair rides, cricket skills and our spectacular fireworks display.’ You’ll need to buy tickets in advance via the website.
Penarth RFC & Athletic Club Fireworks Fiesta is another great Cardiff option. Doors open from 6pm, firework display at 7.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults and £3 for under 16s. No need to prebook but note the entry is cash only.
West Wales Fireworks
Carmarthen Fireworks Bonanza is organised by the Carmarthen Round Table, and costs just £5 per person with all the proceeds going to support local charities. It’s held in Carmarthen Park on Saturday 5th November, gates open 4.30pm. As well as two firework displays there are fairground rides and food stalls. Children’s display at 7pm and main display at 8pm.
Milford Haven Fireworks Extravaganza takes place on Milford Waterfront on Saturday 5th November and features a fun fair, food and drink stalls and live music. It’s open from 5pm for a whole evening of entertainment for all the family, with the firework display itself at around 8pm. Entry is free and the event is run by Milford Haven Round Table.
Solva Firework Display. Handy for those on the very West Coast, this popular community event boasts a bonfire and traditional Guy Competition. The event is held on Saturday 5th November with the bonfire lit at 6pm and fireworks at 7pm. Hot food is available. Entry is free but the event relies on donations, so please give generously.
Mid Wales
Llanidloes Annual Rotary Bonfire & Fireworks Display is on Saturday 5th November. The event will kick off with the lighting of the bonfire at 6.30pm and the firework display from 7pm. Free to attend but donations are encouraged!
Aberystwyth Fireworks Display 2022 is also on Saturday 5th November at Aberystwyth Rugby Club. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the night with all proceeds going to support local organisations. Event run by Aberystwyth Round Table.
Wherever you end up this Fireworks night, we hope you have an enjoyable time!
