Things to do on Bonfire Night 2012

Pull on the thermals, grab a bag of roasted chestnuts and light the sparklers as you ooh and ahh at explosions decorating the night sky above castles, cobbled streets and even a Roman fort. Here’s our guide to some of the best bonfire night events around.

Bristol Zoo, Bristol (2-3 November)

For all those little ones (and animals) who are scared of fireworks.  Bristol Zoo Gardens uses noiseless fireworks in this very unusual display. No Bang! Crack! Whoosh! Just pretty colours falling through the sky for everyone to enjoy.

Lewes, East Sussex (5 November)

The cobbled streets here are filled with a raucous parade, in a firework celebration unmatched across England. Drum beats sound and flaming torches light the way, while various societies dress up, competing. Later on, it’s time to climb up to a bonfire site on the hills for a great view of the fireworks.

Lord Mayor’s Firework Display, London (10 November)

The annual Lord Mayor’s Firework display takes place the week after Bonfire Night. During the day you can cheer on the Mayor’s procession as it makes its way through central London. More than half a tonne of giant fireworks then mark the beginning of a new mayoral year. Best view is from Victoria Embankment.

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (3 November)

Do fireworks in style at this country estate, family home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford. Within the luscious grounds of Ragley Hall are fairground rides for children, food stalls and a bonfire by the lake. Toffee apple anyone?

Midsummer Common, Cambridge (5 November)

This  free firework display attracts around 30,000 spectators and relies on donations from the public and local businesses to keep going. There is a funfair all evening long to add to the entertainment. Fire dancers also entertain the crowds.

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Somerset (3 November)

This is the oldest carnival of its kind, dating to 1847, with Bridgwater Squibs further adding to the olde-world spectacle. These are giant fireworks made especially for Bridgwater Carnival , tied to poles and held above the ‘squibber’s’ head.

Battersea Park, London (3 November)

Mulled wine and roasted chestnuts are on the menu for firework-goers in  Battersea Park . This is one of London’s most popular fireworks events, which takes place in a green oasis in south London. The event is designed by Pains Fireworks, and is digitally choreographed to music around a theme.

Kaboom, York (4 November)

Head to York to experience Bonfire Night where it all began. York is the birth place of the infamous Guy Fawkes and 2012 will see the launch of Kaboom , a new annual event to mark the failed gunpowder plot. Held at Rawcliffe Country Park, it promises to be an awesome pyrotechnic display by one of the world’s best pyro-technicians - Jitu Desai.

Fireworks at the Fort, Segedunum, North Tyneside (2 November)

Wrap up warm for a firework display that lights up Segedunum Fort , gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. This 73-mile wall across Britain was built for Emperor Hadrian. Before the display Segedunum is open for free – a great chance to discover the history of the area.

Leeds Castle, Kent (3-4 November)

Watch a fireworks extravaganza sparkle and bang above the turrets of Leeds Castle . The dazzling display is performed alongside popular music and there’ll also be striking display of colourful projections on the side of the castle. Double oooh!