Jodie @ Breakfast Fireworks Finder
North of Scotland Bonfire Night and Fireworks shows, when, where, and what is it all about, answered right here.
Find Fireworks and Bonfire Displays near you this Guy Fawkes night.
When it comes to dark nights and colder weather, nothing brightens up the start of winter quite like the heat of a roaring bonfire, with the spectacular colours, sounds and atmosphere of a well organised Fireworks display.
What are the origins of Bonfire Night?
A clue to why bonfire night is celebrated, is in the other name given to the 5th of November, Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes was the name of one of 13 men in London, who plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. The Gunpowder Plot in 1605, failed and because the King was so happy, he allowed bonfires to be lit to celebrate, provided they were “without any danger or disorder”. Parliament passed the Observance of November 5th Act, effectively making the celebration compulsory. The first ‘Fireworks’ were recorded in Canterbury two years later in 1607, when they set off 106 pounds of gunpowder. Sitting a ‘Guy’ on the bonfire took around 20 years to catch on, after poor families saw the benefits of making an effigy of Guy Fawkes and sending the children out to ask “Penny for the guy” to passers-by.
Are Fireworks illegal in the UK?
In a word no, but there are laws you need to follow, not only to avoid getting in trouble, but also to keep yourself and others safe. After all Fireworks are explosives, so you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for: Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight. New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. So really you are far safer to attend an official organised Fireworks Display near you.
Will Fireworks be cancelled if it rains?
Fireworks can still be lit in rainy conditions. Organisers just need to take extra steps to ensure that they are shooting fireworks safely and that they are kept dry before firing. However, should the weather change, it makes sense to check the Fireworks show that you are planning to attend is still going ahead.
Can you fly on Bonfire Night?
If you are planning to jet off on holiday at the start of November, then don’t worry, planes travel far higher than any firework will reach. Airport exclusion zones also mean it is very unlikely for a stray firework to get anywhere near a flight during take-off or landing. In fact, your flight might provide a unique viewpoint if conditions are right on the night to see several displays taking place at the same time.
When is Bonfire Night near me?
Although the official date for Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night is the 5th of November, when it is celebrated locally, can vary by a few days or weeks for a multitude of reasons. If your nearest organised display is held on a beach for example, then the date of the event will depend on the tide. Factors such as staff or volunteer availability and what day of the week the 5th of November falls, can all effect event organisation and planning. This works out well for those who really like fireworks, as there is an opportunity to attend several displays over the period. Many people treat Halloween and Bonfire Night as the start of the countdown to Christmas celebrations.
Where are Fireworks and Bonfire Night displays near me?
We have you covered with the MFR Firework Finder. Scroll down for a list of organised events happening across the North of Scotland.
- Dornoch - Tuesday 5th November. Follow the spectacular Torchlit Parade from Dornoch Square to the Meadows for the annual Bonfire Night celebration!
- Aviemore - Tuesday 5th November. Fireworks at The Cairngorm Hotel. Display at 6pm, it starts prompt so don’t be late!
- Munlochy - Monday 4th November at The Allangrange from 6pm. Donations to MFR Cash for Kids.
- Inverness - Tuesday 5th November from 5.30pm at Bught Park.
Have we missed your event? Let us know it is happening: feedback@mfr.co.uk
Please note, we will only list community/group organised events. No personal displays will be promoted.
- Attending an organised fireworks display is by far the safest way to enjoy Guy Fawkes’ night. If you are planning on going along please have a safe and enjoyable evening.