Remember, remember,
The fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason,
Why gunpowder and treason,
Should ever be forgot!
The poem come nursery rhyme above is an old favourite of mine referring to the world famous Guy Fawkes night, now celebrated as a reason to detonate copious amounts of magnesium based substances all over the world.
For some this conjures up images of mum and dad lighting screamers in the back garden or sparklers with your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend, whilst for me this brings back some memories that are unique to Londoners. You see, I have always lived in the city, now when I say city, I don’t mean the suburbs of zones 3, 4 and beyond, I mean the zone 2 inwards city. The type of place where unfortunately access to a garden is not so simple and even where there is one it usually isn’t an impressive space. Which is why for me like many other Londoners Bonfire Night [November 5th] has always been about celebrating as a community.
I remember dressing up in the warmest clothes that could be found, mum with a pack of sparklers in her handbag bought earlier from the local shop and a thermos of some strange soup like liquid which to this day I ponder over its true origin. Every year we would make our way to our local park to watch everyone let off his or her own personal homage to the failed traitor then burn a straw filled dummy of some sort. As time progressed so did laws on fireworks which in turn meant that the usual public disregard for public safety wasn’t an option any longer, this helped aid the family discovery of vast public firework displays Finsbury Park being my favourite, I still remember the beautiful smell of burning wood in the air as the firemen assisted a local dignitary (if you can call them that) light the bonfire. Now when Finsbury Park put on a fireworks display wasn’t your run of the mill Catherine Wheel and a few measly bits of kindling, it was a colossal 30 foot behemoth of a bonfire with fireworks the likes of which Disneyland Paris would be put to shame by as the magical mood of fantasia filled the air.
Without me falling too deep into reminiscing the past, I also remember some of the greatest scenes on Primrose Hill where the public display would be set against the stunning back drop of the London skyline, the same effect also achieved at the displays at Alexandra Palace. My point is bonfire night now seems to lack the impact without getting together with friends and/or family and feeling a sense of community as you “ooh” and “aah” in perfect symphony.
So I put this challenge to you London, spend your Guy Fawkes/Bonfire night this year as a community. If you do have a garden and you intend on putting on a private display, invite the whole street put your money together and light the sky. If you don’t, make your way down to a public display and maybe invite a few neighbours to join you. Its one night of the year where it is entirely down to you to make it special and to make some memories, because remember there is no other day (except valentines) which can create that same romantic mood, there is no other day that can be more special for a child through the memories it creates, while still being relatively free!
So I as a treat I have done my usual bit for you all and put some information (see below) which should help you on your way to having a thoroughly enjoyable 5th November and if you have any other ideas, tips or events you think anyone else should hear about or even your own private garden party you would like to tell people about please feel free to post them because I’m sure everyone else wants to know about them.
But most importantly, be safe and enjoy yourself!
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My most important tip is to remember to try to arrive to all displays early as they tend to be packed, dress warm and gloves are advisable. Try not to drive as you may miss the show, public transport would be best especially since due to turnout you can almost guarantee there will be nowhere to park. Early arrival although not necessary is usually a good idea so as to ensure the perfect spot and avoid the incoming crowd.
Thames Boat Trip
Although rather pricey this one is said to be quite spectacular, as you ride a Mississippi Style riverboat down the Thames and watch the night sky illuminated by the fireworks.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Time: 7:30
Admission: £45
Tickets: www.biasevents.com
Alexandra Palace Firework Display
A personal old time favourite of mine, held each year at Alexandra palace. The display itself will begin at 7:30pm but why not get there early for the activities at starting at 4:30pm. There is no admission charge and usually vendors are around selling food and hot drinks.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Starts at 7:30pm
Activities: From 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Web: www.allinlondon.co.uk/alexandra-park-and-palace.php
Battersea Park Firework Display
With rides and a fairground available this one is tipped to be one of the most spectacular displays in London, although it is likely to cause an attack on your pocket if taking kids! The display will begin at 7:30 but the fun will be through the night. Admission is free for children under 10 but all others will need to pay £4.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Starts at 7:30pm
Activities: Fair will run into the night
Admission: Free for children aged 10 and under, £4 for adults and children over 10
Web: www.allinlondon.co.uk/battersea-park.php
Blackheath Firework Display
Held in Blackheath on Saturday the 8th this will be Greenwich Council’s celebration of the 400th anniversary of the gunpowder plot. Attendance is expected to peak 40,000 and is sure to be a blast!
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Starts at 8:00pm
Activities: Call Greenwich Council to find out more on 0871 700 0685
Admission: Free
Directions: Call number above for info
Morden Park Firework Display
Playing host to not one but two colossal firework displays Morden Park will be truly getting into the spirit of the night with a funfair also open on site until 10pm.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Two starting at 6:30pm and 8:30pm
Activities: Fair open until 8:30pm
Admission: £6 for Adults, £4 for under 18’s whilst under 5’s get in free
Wimbledon Park Firework Display
Giving you a chance to go to a display a day early why not have two nights of fun if you are in the area and will also be visiting the Morden Park Display.
Date: Friday 4th November
Display: Two starting at 6:30pm and 8:30pm
Activities: Fair open until 8:30pm
Admission: £6 for Adults, £4 for under 18’s whilst under 5’s get in free
Ravenscourt Park Firework Display
I was tipped off about this one by a friend in Hammersmith, this should make for quite an entertaining night.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Gates open at 6:30pm display time is unconfirmed
Activities: Fairground and other attractions
Admission: £5 for Adults and Children over 5, Under 5’s go free, early arrival recommended
Roundwood Park Firework Display
Free display at Roundwood Park in Brent, vendors will be available selling food and drink plus rides are available for children. Some fireworks will begin at 6:45pm with the main display kicking off at 8:00pm.
Date: Saturday 5th November
Display: Main display at 8:00pm
Activities: Rides available for children
Admission: Free
Posted: 2005-11-01 00:47:29
