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Best Bonfire Night Fireworks & Displays 2016

Best Bonfire Night Fireworks & Displays 2016

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

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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

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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

box of fireworks

credit: allsparkfireworks

Big Daddy

  • Number of shots: 98
  • ‘Display in a box’
  • Loud and colourful

box of fireworks

credit: fireworksshop

Super Show

  • Number of shots: 100
  • Wide variety of colours and effects
  • Range of bangs and whistles

box of fireworks

credit: fireworksmine

Legend

  • Number of shots: 91
  • Great for a finale
  • Golden, crackling mines

bonfire night fireworks

credit: brilliantfireworks

Optional Extras

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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

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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

Warwick

Birmingham

Bristol

Brighton

Edinburgh

funfair swings

Exeter

Manchester

Liverpool

Leeds

Newcastle

Oxford

York

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.

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