Remember, remember – it’s less than a week to go until Guy Fawkes Night, writes Susan Welsh
There’s something very magical about November 5, when families of all ages wrap up warmly, head outdoors and gather with hundreds of strangers to stare up at the dark night skies which, for a very short time, explode into a riot of fabulous colours.
Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, as it is often known, stems from 1605, when Guy Fawkes and other Catholic sympathisers failed in their plan to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament.
Bonfires, which often have a stuffed figure, known as a Guy, on top, serve as a reminder of Fawkes’s treason, while the fireworks represent the loud explosions and light display that might have happened had the barrels of gunpowder stashed below parliament exploded.
It’s a great excuse to have a firecracker of a party and, across the country, there’s a host of organised events taking place which promise a “spark-tacular” night out for all. But bear in mind that many events now take place on dates other than November 5.
Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Drumnadrochit bonfire and fireworks night at Blairbeg Shinty Pitch, Drumnadrochit. Refreshments and stalls. Admission free, but donations welcome. Bonfire lit at 6.30pm; fireworks from 7pm.
Forres bonfire and fireworks, organised with the support of Forres Rotary Club. Food and entertainment along with bonfire and fireworks in Grant Park. The event will have a sporting theme celebrating the Commonwealth Games. Starts from 5.30pm.
Thurso bonfire and fireworks, organised by the Rotary Club of Thurso. Takes place at the harbour and esplanade from 8pm. Admission free, but donations welcome.
Ellon bonfire and fireworks, Gordon Park, Ellon. Stalls open from 5pm; bonfire lit at 5.45pm, and fireworks display from 6.45pm.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Stonehaven bonfire and fireworks display, organised by Stonehaven Round Table. Takes place at the town’s Mineralwell Park, with gates open at 6pm, fire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks display at 7pm. There is also a barbecue and stalls selling flashing novelties to help the night go with a bang.
Boat of Garten bonfire and firework display, an exciting display on the moor at Boat of Garten. Food and hot drinks for sale from 5.30pm; bonfire and fireworks from 6pm. Free entry, but donations for Deshar school funds welcome.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The Aberdeen Winter Festival kicks off in spectacular style with a fireworks display at Aberdeen beach. Pre-fireworks entertainment includes firewalkers and a charity firewalk (see below). The event starts at 6.30pm, with a 20-minute fireworks display set to music from 7.30pm.
Best vantage points for the display are in the areas around the Beach Boulevard and along the Beach Esplanade. Visitors should not bring their own fireworks, and alcohol or fireworks found will be confiscated. A dedicated fireworks park-and-ride service will be available from Bridge of Don, Kingswells and Calder Park.
Inspire Firewalk: Coinciding with Aberdeen’s Bonfire Night fireworks display, brave volunteers are invited to pay £20 and walk on hot coals for charity. Starts from 4.30pm onwards. Queen’s Links, Aberdeen. Contact: 01224 280005.
Inverness bonfire and fireworks display, Bught Park, Inverness. Entertainment from 7pm with the judging of a Guy-making competition. Giant bonfire to be lit at 7.30pm, with fireworks expected to start around 7.50pm.
Glengarry firework display and bonfire, Craigard Park, Invergarry. Refreshments and stalls. Look out for a witch and her fiery cauldron. Bonfire lit 6.30pm, fireworks 6.45pm. Visitors should not bring their own fireworks. Admission free, but donations welcome.
Guy Fawkes Night fireworks display in the car park of the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, from 7.30pm.
Kincraig bonfire and fireworks, held at the War Memorial Field, Kincraig. A free event starting at 6.30pm. Refreshments available.
Newtonmore bonfire and fireworks, courtesy of Newtonmore Business Association. Takes place at Newtonmore Golf Club from 5.30pm. Barbecue and refreshments available at the golf club.
Spynie bonfire and fireworks display, Spynie Village Hall. Selection of stalls and collection in aid of hall improvements. Bonfire lit at 7pm with fireworks following shortly afterwards.
In Oban, BID4Oban is organising a fireworks spectacular at 7.15pm at Oban harbour.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Fireworks and bonfire on the beach, Onich Hotel, Onich, near Fort William, 7pm.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Banchory bonfire and fireworks display, organised by Banchory and District Round Table and taking place in the George V Park. Refreshments available from 6.30pm. Fire lit at 6.30pm; fireworks from 7pm. Admission free, but donations welcome.
Rosemarkie bonfire and fireworks display takes place on the beach front of Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. Starts at 6.30pm.
Ballater fireworks display, Monaltrie Park, Ballater, from 7pm.
Elgin bonfire night, Cooper Park, Elgin, from 6.30pm. Admission free.
Ballachulish fireworks display, Ballachulish Quarry, gates open 7pm. Minimum donation £1. Attractions include refreshments and stalls, followed by a family disco at the village hall from 8pm-1am.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Mulben fireworks, Mains of Mulben, near Keith. Refreshments and barbecue, from 6pm.