Remember, Remember the Fifth of November.
Gunpowder, treason and plot. Also – firework displays. This 5th of November falls on a Saturday, so there’s no reason not to throw a party and enjoy the night to its fullest. If you’re planning on hosting a display and launching the fireworks yourself, make sure you’ve done plenty of research beforehand and have all the necessary safety precautions in place.
There are some great all-in-one fireworks boxes out there that will give you a terrific display with a variety of noises, colours and effects. For a greater range, you can also mix in some Catherine wheels and smaller firework cakes and barrages. You will need a relatively decent-sized garden to set off fireworks. If yours is a little on the small side, then you should consider buying packages that are specifically designed for small gardens.
Below are some recommendations for easy and impressive firework display packages to ensure your party goes off with a bang.
Best Fireworks to Buy
The following packages are all-in-one solutions that offer a great range of sounds and effects. They are designed to create a dazzling display without the need for excessive pyrotechnic design. Be sure to read the instructions fully before setting them up. Some are quieter than others, so consider your neighbours – if noise is likely to cause an issue then think about opting for less noisy varieties.
Silver Cyclone Dragon
Number of shots: 150
Low noise
Twisting silver cyclones fired in a fan
Crescendo of brightly coloured effects
credit: crackerjack fireworks
BlackCat #1000 Professional
Number of shots: 6
Designed to look like a professional pyrotechnics display
Glittering red, blue, green and silver pistils
credit: allsparkfireworks
Big Daddy
Number of shots: 98
‘Display in a box’
Loud and colourful
credit: fireworksshop
Super Show
Number of shots: 100
Wide variety of colours and effects
Range of bangs and whistles
credit: fireworksmine
Legend
Number of shots: 91
Great for a finale
Golden, crackling mines
credit: brilliantfireworks
Optional Extras
Fireworks will really bring your party to life, but don’t forget about those little extras that make it complete. If you’re the host, consider providing some of the following:
BBQ food
Put on a good spread and your guests will love you for it. Barbeques are very popular at bonfire night parties, as the food can be cooked outside – and there’s something about burgers, hot dogs and fireworks that just… works. This Tepro Grill Barbeque is a great choice, with an American-style grill cart and handy utensil hooks and bottle-opener.
Bonfire (the clue’s in the name)
If you’re hosting a bonfire night party, there is likely to be some expectation of a bonfire. Whether you build one yourself or use a fire pit, there’s nothing like sitting round a roaring fire toasting marshmallows on a crisp autumn evening. This La Hacienda Camping Firebowl is a great option if you decide to go for a fire pit, keeping the fire contained and off the ground. Don’t forget to check for hedgehogs if you build a traditional bonfire.
Ever heard of mystical fire sachets? These are particularly fun – throw them in the fire and see. They add vibrant bursts of colour to the flames that last for just under an hour, making the whole thing look really quite magical.
Sparklers
Obviously get sparklers. No self-respecting bonfire night party is complete without sparklers, and they are great for kids too, as long as you show them how to use them safely. Keep a bucket of cold water nearby and extinguish them before the spark gets too close to the end. These 18-inch sparklers last a little longer and are low-smoke.
Kids Attending? Consider Ear Defenders
Something to suggest to any parents who plan on bringing children to the firework display – fireworks can be extremely loud and damaging to sensitive infant ears. There are some pretty good ear defenders available now for kids to easily combat this problem and ensure the noise doesn’t get too much. You might want to think about toning down the volume of the display if children will be there, so they don’t get frightened.
Firework Safety 101
Here is a quick rundown of the safety considerations you should bear in mind and prepare for if you are hosting or attending a fireworks party. It’s also a good idea to acquaint yourself with the legal regulations.
Category 2 and 3 fireworks can be used by adults. Category 4 fireworks are for professionals only
On Bonfire Night, the cut-off time for setting off fireworks is usually midnight (but check with your local council)
Plan your display in advance
Keep all fireworks in a closed box and set them off one at a time
Read all instructions carefully before use
Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back
Keep all naked flames far away from fireworks (think about the positioning and timing of your bonfire)
Never return to a lit firework
Never throw fireworks
Direct rockets well away from spectators
Never use paraffin or petrol to get a bonfire going
Make sure that your bonfire is completely extinguished before leaving
Keep pets indoors
Best UK Firework Displays
If hosting your own display sounds a bit much, then luckily there is no shortage of excellent public displays to attend throughout the UK, all boasting an exciting array of entertainment and food. It’s very popular now for firework displays to be accompanied by music, or given a theme, such as films or fantasy. Here is a run-down of some of the best firework displays happening around the UK in 2016.
London
Battersea Park
Set to music
Family entertainment
Crystal Palace Park
Kid-friendly followed by main display
Food and drinks available
Harrow Fireworks
Space-themed
Bar and funfair
Blackheath Fireworks
Free
Family-friendly
Warwick
Kenilworth Castle
Amazing view of the castle
Range of tents and stalls
Warwick Racecourse
Set to music
Parking and refreshments
Children’s fun area
Birmingham
Edgbaston Stadium
Onsite fairground
Food and drinks
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Special screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Park rides open until 9pm
Bristol
Downend Round Table Fireworks
Tickets can be ordered online
Food and refreshments available
Canford Park Fireworks Fiesta
Money goes to charity
Under 3s free
Brighton
Nevill Road, Hove
Set to music
Family-friendly
Edinburgh
Hopetoun Fireworks
Magic-themed
Free parking
Meadowbank Fireworks
Sci-fi themed
Edinburgh’s biggest
Exeter
Westpoint Round Table Charity Fireworks
Set to music
Star Wars themed
Double Locks Pub
Live music
Extra bars
Manchester
Horse and Jockey Pub, Chorlton
Outside bar and BBQ
Kid and adult displays
Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield
Free entry
Bonfire
Liverpool
Mersey Fireworks
Brand new display planned
Liverpool and Wirral joining forces
Clock Face Pub Fireworks
DJ, funfair and BBQ
No age restrictions
Leeds
Roundhay Park
Biggest in Leeds
Huge bonfire
Beaver Works
Post-apocalypse themed
7 arenas of music
Newcastle
Riverside Park
Superhero-themed
Funfair, live music and food
Beamish Hall Country House
BBQ and bonfire
Live music
Oxford
Oxford Roundtable
Money raised for charity
Funfair, bar and family tent
York
York Maze
Food and Christmas stalls
Set to music
Kaboom, North Yorkshire
Movie-themed with outdoor screening
Entertainers and fire jugglers
However you end up spending Bonfire Night in 2016, be sure to do it with the two S’s: safety and style. Do you have any recommendations on the best fireworks packages for amateur displays? Or perhaps the best professional displays in your area? Let us know in the comments.
The post Best Bonfire Night Fireworks & Displays 2016 appeared first on Sensible Reviewer.