9 of the best Bonfire Night events for 2019

Every November, for over 150 years, the skies above Alexandra Palace in north London have come to life with one of the city's most impressive firework displays. This year's Fireworks Festival takes place across two days with a host of supporting attractions, including a German bier festival; cinema screenings of family-friendly movies like Harry Potter and Toy Story 4; and the best street food from kitchens across London.

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Probably the most famous of all bonfire night events in England, the Lewes Bonfire Night has an electric atmosphere (perhaps even borderline pagan), notable for its burning of religious and cultural effigies.

Previous years’ bonfires have included effigies of Luftwaffe bombers and Viking long boats, as well as a number of politicians and popes. There is also the striking image of the 17 burning crosses to represent the burning of martyrs of Lewes back in the 16th Century.

Lewes regularly attracts thousands of visitors and can get extremely busy, but should provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Kenilworth Castle has a past dotted with royal connections, strategic fortifications and religious links. It's now a top attraction for history buffs, but every November, it also hosts one of the biggest Bonfire Night celebrations in the Midlands.

Run by the Kenilworth Round Table, the Kenilworth Castle Bonfire & Fireworks Gala is a key item on the town's calendar, and sees visitors surround the castle for an amazing aerial display of colour. Plus, all the money raised goes to local good causes - added bonus! This year's event takes place on 2 November, and tickets cost £10 per adult and £5 per child/senior.

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Legoland isn't the only theme park that comes alive at night during fireworks season; Blackpool Pleasure Beach has its own celebration!

Opening late on several days in the summer and autumn (including 2 Nov for a pre-Bonfire Night event), visitors can enjoy extended ride times with a world class fireworks display to end the night. If you're a rollercoaster fan and looking for an extra bit of excitement, this is definitely an event that is worth checking out.

For the ultimate family fireworks treat, head to Legoland in October for a show you'll never forget!

Hosted on four different days (20-21 and 26-27 Oct), the Legoland Fireworks Spectacular brings the theme park to life after hours. Book a stay in the Legoland Resort, and you can turn a night of celebrations into a full weekend break!

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Every November, Leeds Castle comes alive for two days with lights, sounds and colour. This year's display will be themed around dancing, combining fireworks and projected moving images to create an audio-visual treat unlike anything else.

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular 2019 will be hosted on 2-3 November, and tickets are available now.

Found just off the banks of the River Tyne, Segedunum marks the remains of a Roman fort which dominated the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall. Nowadays, the site plays host to a spectacular fireworks display every November, with free entry to the museum and a variety of family activities on offer to those arriving before the 6:30pm start.

Featuring a huge centerpiece made up of themed wooden structures (past events have featured towering gothic castles and traditional ships), Skinningrove Bonfire definitely lives up to its "Bonfire With A Difference" billing. Once the bonfire is burning bright, it is accompanied by a stunning fireworks display which lights up the dark Yorkshire night. Wrap up warm and enjoy a traditional spectacle this November.

For something completely different, head to Ottery St Mary in Devon (about 10 miles east of Exeter) for the annual Tar Barrels event. This tradition pre-dates Guy Fawkes Night and sees local pubs and breweries offering up a barrel, which is covered in tar, set alight and carried through the streets by brave locals. It's one of England's most unique spectacles to say the least; take a trip to the south-west for a completely different Bonfire Night experience this November.