For more than 400 years, the UK has commemorated the failed Gunpowder Plot every 5 November by lighting up the skies with sparkling fireworks and roaring bonfires.
And, according to the government, more than 14 million people celebrate Bonfire Night by attending firework displays every year.
Since 1605, we’ve found plenty of brilliant ways to celebrate. Enjoying crunchy toffee apples, working together to recreate Guy Fawkes out of newspaper, and lighting up sparklers are all great ways to launch you into the festive spirit.
But with more than 5,500 firework displays in the UK every year, how do you choose which one to attend?
Luckily for you, we’ve discovered five of the best fireworks displays in the north-west, so gather your family and friends and prepare yourself for a cracking November!
1. The Alpha Omega Halloween Spooktacular
2023 marks the 15-year anniversary of Nantwich’s beloved event. This incredible Halloween-themed show holds the record for the biggest firework display in the north-west.
The spooky evening includes activities for the whole family. Your children and grandchildren can show off their scariest outfits for the kid’s costume competition, enjoy a marvellous magic show and even meet some dinosaurs!
Whether you would rather brave the terrifying Scare Maze or laugh at Punch and Judy’s antics, there’s plenty to keep you entertained while you wait for the fireworks to begin. The event is also furnished with all the amenities you might need, including food outlets, parking spaces, and a free shuttle bus from Nantwich.
Adult tickets are £14 and child tickets are £12. The gates open at 5 pm on 28 October and the wonderful firework show starts at 8 pm, giving you loads of time to enjoy everything the event has to offer.
2. Southport Pleasureland
Back by popular demand, Pleasureland’s Day of the Dead festival returns this year, bigger and better than ever before.
Running for three nights from 3 to 5 November, the theme park will be transformed into a fantastic fiesta. With entertainment running all weekend, take time between rides to enjoy their amazing live shows, including drummers, fire eaters, and Mexican dancers.
The gates open at 4 pm and stay open until 9.30 pm, when the park’s stunning firework finale will light up the night sky with an explosion of colour. If you book online, tickets are only £20 for adults and £15 for concessions.
As well as the free entertainment, you can also enjoy all the rides – they’re included in the ticket price and open all night. Scream on their thrill rides, such as the Frisbee, or take your loved ones on the gentler family-friendly rides, including the dodgems or Loki’s Log Flume.
3. Blakemere’s Firework Display
This lovely shopping village in Northwich is opening its gates this year to welcome people of all ages for a gorgeous firework display.
Arrive early to allow yourself enough time to peruse the quaint arts and crafts shops, discover unique antiques, and let your children and grandchildren enjoy the fun fair before settling in to watch the sky light up over the beautiful Cheshire countryside with a showstopping fireworks display.
Although it’s further away than the rest of the displays, the short drive is worth the trip to spend Bonfire Night in a delightful creative community with breathtaking views. And if you enjoy your trip, you can return another day for even more family adventures; for example, by visiting their falconry centre or pottery café.
The doors open from 5.15 pm on 4 November and the fireworks begin at 7 pm. Adult tickets are £9.50 and tickets for children under 9s are £6.50.
4. Fireworks and Food Festival at Leigh Cricket Club
Every year, Leigh Cricket Club goes all out on 5 November with not one but two fabulous firework displays.
The earlier show is designed for children. Their use of stunning but quiet fireworks allows the younger audience members a gentle introduction to Bonfire Night without any loud bangs to frighten them. Later in the evening, they move onto the big showstopper: the main firework display, which becomes more spectacular with every passing year.
Alongside the two impressive displays, you can also investigate their International Food Village. Explore a wide variety of flavours and cuisines and enjoy the festivities with a full stomach. Eat delicious food, enjoy the funfair, or dance the night away while you’re waiting for the show to start.
The fireworks display is the Cricket Club’s main fundraiser for the year, so you can feel good about putting money back into your local community. You can only purchase tickets online, so make sure to buy them in advance before they sell out. Adult tickets are £10 each and children’s tickets are £5.
5. The Big Bang Bonfire
Hop on a tram and head down to Oldham Edge this November to enjoy one of the best firework displays in Manchester.
Fantastic Fireworks – double British firework champions – have created a spellbinding display for 2023’s event. This year’s entertainment is themed around “The Battle of the Oldham Edge Beasts” and tells the story of a mythical dragon and bat competing for the title of “King of the Night”.
Alongside the firework display, there is plenty of other pyrotechnic excitement going on. Watch the incredible Juggling Inferno dance with fire, warm your hands on the gigantic bonfire, or scream on their thrilling funfair rides.
The amazing event takes place on 6 November from 5 pm until 8:30 pm. And the best news? The extraordinary entertainment and fabulous fireworks are all free to enter!
