Anyone who is visiting London during the autumn should try and take some time out and visit one of the many giant firework displays that take place in November. These celebrations commemorate the ill-fated actions of Guy Fawkes in the 17th century and his failure to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
If you are staying in the UK for a short break using one of the many self catering apartments in London and want to get to know more about the local culture then you should put on your warmest clothes and attend one of these wonderful firework festivities.
The early part of the November calendar is filled with these celebrations and here are a few of the best.
Legoland, Windsor
When you stay in London with your children, then you might like to take them to nearby Legoland, in Windsor on the weekend of the 26th October.
The centre hosts its own fireworks display, as well as entertaining the public with fights between DC superheroes and thousands of Lego bricks igniting as part of the fireworks celebrations. Adult tickets are £34.20 and £28.25 for children.
Blackheath, London
This part of south London is within easy reach of the centre of town and accessible by train. The annual free celebrations start at 4pm with traditional fairground activities while the fireworks start lighting up the skies at 8pm.
There are plenty of stalls selling refreshments and countless other activities on offer but this venue does get crowded so be prepared to hold on to your children’s hands!
This year, the festivities will be held on Saturday 2nd November.
Edenbridge, Kent
Make you way out of London by train on the 2nd November and head for Edenbridge in Kent. This small Kentish town has held an annual procession, complete with floats and lighted torches for 80 years, but since 1997 the town has also burned a celebrity guy on its giant bonfire.
This year the small town is aiming for a world record, details of the celebrity guy aren’t announced until the weekend of the procession. Last year, Lance Armstrong was burned at the stake. This is a wonderful evening’s entertainment, with food, music and amazing fireworks.
Sources for client reference:
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/oct/30/uk-bonfire-night-firework-displays;
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/blackheath-fireworks-display.aspx;
http://www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk/
