As we all know, the month of November is synonymous with fireworks, because of course this is when Guy Fawkes Night comes around. This is a tradition that has its roots way back in 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the infamous Gunpowder Plot. To commemorate its failure, people across the UK light bonfires and set off fireworks every year.
Firework displays can be found throughout Sussex and Surrey, from large public events in cities to smaller community and private gatherings. The larger events attract huge crowds and are often accompanied by food stalls, funfairs and live music. These glorious experiences help to add a very welcome festive atmosphere to the crisp autumn nights.
Over the years, with safety being a key consideration, more and more people are attending organised displays rather than setting off their own fireworks. Most displays feature a dazzling array of pyrotechnics, lighting up the sky with vibrant colours and loud explosions, symbolic of the historical significance. It’s not uncommon to find neighbouring villages trying to outdo one another in terms of noise, colour and of course visitor numbers.
Where to go to get more bang for your buck
So, if you’re in East Sussex, West Sussex or Surrey, where do you plan to celebrate this wonderful occasion? One of the more impressive occasions is to be found at the Sussex County Cricket Club ground on Saturday, November the 2nd. Here in Hove, visitors can expect to find plenty of food and drink options as well as other attractions. And of course, the spectators (likely to be around 11,000 in number) will be witnessing one of the biggest firework displays in the whole of the county.
It’s also worth noting that many towns in the region will be offering spectacular firework celebrations, so why bother with the effort and expense of a small-time display in your own garden? All you need to do instead is head to locations such as Godalming (Nov 1st), Farnham (Nov 2nd), Cranleigh (Nov 2nd), Guildford (Nov 2nd), Epsom (Nov 9th) and many more to experience all the fizz-bang-wallop of this wonderfully British of celebrations.
Another highly anticipated event will be at Battle in East Sussex. Here in 1066 Country, the Battel Bonfire Boys, as they are known, will be hosting a major event on November 2nd. For the best visitor experience, head to Market Road and savour every single moment. It’s going to be epic!
