6 firework displays across Beds, Herts, and Bucks to visit on Guy Fawkes Night

On 5 November 1605, the former soldier, Guy Fawkes, was caught in the cellars below the Palace of Westminster with 36 barrels of gunpowder, halting a now-infamous plot to kill the Protestant King James I.

There’s no need to remind yourself of the grisly details of what came next. Suffice to say, Fawkes and his co-conspirators were discovered and did not live much longer to tell the tale of their daring escapade.

But what happened next has left a legacy that endures even now, 420 years later. A parliamentary act passed in January 1606 required English churches to hold a special service on 5 November every year, often with a heavy anti-Catholic tone.

These observances soon spread beyond church services, evolving into bonfires at which revellers burnt effigies of the pope, and later of Guy Fawkes himself – hence the moniker “Guy Fawkes Night”.

It’s only really been since the turn of the 20th century that Bonfire Night celebrations have become a family affair. Now, you’re far more likely to enjoy a cup of soup, hot chocolate, or something stronger while watching the impressive sights of fireworks exploding in the sky – a nod back to the original plot, since today’s pyrotechnics are still powered by gunpowder.

There are plenty of these events taking place around the Three Counties area. So, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the spectacle, here are two events each from across Beds, Herts, and Bucks that you could visit this year.

Bedfordshire

1. Ampthill Fireworks, Ampthill Great Park, Friday 7 November

One of the biggest local events on the calendar, Ampthill Fireworks returns this year on Friday 7 November.

Having run since 2011, the event takes place in Ampthill Great Park and features live music acts, fairground rides and amusements, plenty of food options, and of course, a stunning firework display.

The display is sponsored by Utilita, as well as a host of great local businesses, and is run on a not-for-profit basis, with the proceeds going to local charities. In fact, in 2023, the event returned almost £27,000, bringing total donations to £190,000 since the event started in 2011. So, not only do you get to enjoy some great fireworks, but you’ll also be doing something good for your community.

Tickets are now available on the Ampthill Fireworks website, which says that it’s highly likely they will sell out.

Adult tickets are £14.25 and children are £6.13, with those three and under going free. You can also buy a family ticket for two adults and up to three children for £30.50. Parking is £5, paid as cash only on the night.

2. Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard, Saturday 8 November

Mead Open Farm is one of the most beloved attractions in Leighton Buzzard and often hosts seasonal events. Their Fireworks and Farm Fun evening is one that’s not to be missed.

Taking place on Saturday 8 November, the fun begins at 2 pm, when children can enjoy a huge indoor play area and a whole host of adorable animals to meet.

As the day goes on, you’ll also be able to explore acres of floodlit outdoor play, including the SkyTrail, rock climbing wall, and Shaggy’s Raceway, before the end-of-show disco in the evening.

At 6.15 pm, you’ll start moving towards the fireworks field ahead of an anticipated 7 pm start to the spectacular firework show itself.

Tickets for this event often sell out, so it’s sensible to book sooner rather than later on the Mead Open Farm website. It’s £20.50 for everyone, with those 18 months and under attending for free, or just £16.50 if you have a Mead Open Farm membership.

Hertfordshire

3. Brocket Hall, Welwyn Garden City, Sunday 2 November

Brocket Hall is one of the most remarkable backdrops you could imagine for a firework display. The Grade I-listed country house is set within a 543-acre estate, complete with two 18-hole golf courses, making it an incredible location to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night.

The Brocket Hall gates will open at 4 pm, where you’ll be able to enjoy a live DJ and band, face painting, and food and drink trailers.

There are also two extra events taking place from 5 pm until 6.45 pm, perfect if you’re bringing children:

• Bubble show and walkabout with children’s entertainer, Mr Magic Bubbles.
• Princess show and character walkabout by the Be Our Guest Princesses party service.

The firework display itself will begin at 7 pm, choreographed to iconic movie soundtracks.

It’s crucial to get tickets as early as possible for this one, especially since last year’s event sold out. Find out more and book on the Brocket Hall tickets website.

4. St Albans Fireworks Spectacular, Verulamium Park, Saturday 8 November

Similar to Brocket Hall, the St Albans Fireworks Spectacular also boasts beautiful scenery for its display.

It takes place in Verulamium Park, with the incredible St Albans Cathedral standing in the background.

The gates will open from 6 pm, when there will be food and entertainment for the whole family, before the fireworks start at 7.30 pm.

You could make a whole day out of the display if you attend the Pop Up Bazaar Christmas Market held at the cathedral beforehand between 11 am and 3 pm. With free entry, you could enjoy a festive market featuring more than 60 independent stalls with gifts and treats, as well as children’s crafts and live musicians.

Then, after spending a couple of hours in the quaint, historic city of St Albans, you could head over to the park to enjoy the fireworks.

Raising money for the Hospice of St Francis and the Daylight Club, tickets are available online on the St Albans Cathedral website. These cost £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for kids aged between four and 16, with those under three attending for free. Family tickets for two adults and two children are £35.

Alternatively, you can pay at the gate. Adult tickets on the night are £15, £10 for children between four and 16, and family tickets are £40.

Buckinghamshire

5. Bourton Park, Buckingham, Saturday 1 November

Bourton Park in Buckingham is one of the town’s most valued public spaces, featuring an idyllic river and a series of ponds with incredible wildlife, including otters and kingfishers.

In November, it plays host to a free bonfire and firework display, drawing thousands of spectators every year.

Complete with entertainment and food vendors, the park is a great location to enjoy something hot to eat and drink. Meanwhile, an impressive array of fireworks lights up the Buckingham skies.

There’s no need to book for this display – just turn up at 6 pm and enjoy the show.

6. Beaconsfield Big Bang, Little Bang, Beaconsfield Cricket Club, Saturday 8 November

Taking place at the cricket club in the picturesque Beaconsfield, the Big Bang, Little Bang fireworks event is ideal for all families, as it features two separate displays:

• The “Little Bang”, designed for very small children with gentler fireworks that aren’t as disconcerting for little ones.
• The “Big Bang”, a full fireworks display synchronised with a custom soundtrack.

Alongside the fantastic pyrotechnics, there will also be all the entertainment you’d expect at a proper display, including diverse food stalls, games and rides, and a live DJ.

Tickets are available on the Beaconsfield Cricket Club website, with early bird tickets of £12 (children under five go free) and £41 for families available until 26 October. Then, this becomes £14 and £49 respectively. Individual tickets are also available at the gate for £15.

Get in touch

For support managing your wealth from your local experts, please get in touch with us at Caliber Financial Management today.

Email contact@caliberfm.co.uk or call 01525 375286 to speak to one of our team.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.