Is it even winter if you don’t start off the season watching the sky light up with fireworks, playing with sparklers, and keeping warm next to large bonfires.
Of course, these activities take place as part of Bonfire night; the annual celebration to remember Guy Fawkes failed attempt to kill King James I and blow up the Houses of Parliament.
On November 5th many people get together at various outdoor venues to mark the occasion under the misconception that it is not inclusive of those with limited mobility with most events being outdoors and British weather in November being very hit and miss. However, this article looks at the best and most accessible Bonfire Night and fireworks displays.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Location: London
Date: November 5, 2022. Gates open at 4pm
The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is London’s biggest and best bonfire night celebration with over 100,000 people attending each year.
No-one does fireworks quite like Ally Pally. The UK has been watching the capital’s skyline sizzle and whizzle for over 150 years.
On top of the display there will be, music, cabaret, a funfair, a huge fire show, the UK’s largest German Bier Festival and the chance to catch a film at the Luna Cinema or go ice skating.
A spokesperson from Alexandra Park & Palace Charitable Trust said the festival is very accessible to all visitors.
“We aim to make the festival as accessible as possible. We have a dedicated accessible area on the night, a dedicated blue badge parking area, access to the display viewing platform and tickets for PAs. There is step-free access across the site and the performances in our ice rink and theatre have access provisions’
Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks
Location: Derbyshire
Date: 28 October 2022–29 October 2022
The stunning stately home in the Derbyshire Dales puts on one of the best Bonfire events in the North. There will be a fantastic firework display and a bonfire as part of the annual celebrations.
Wrap up warm and enjoy a range of entertainment suited to all ages. You can also tuck into a selection of delicious food, from tasty hog roasts to churros and sweet treats as well as a seasonal glass of mulled wine or cider.
The event is fully accessible as there are ground guards across the lawn and gravel for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There’s an accessible viewing area for visitors with mobility problems and Chatsworth has a Mobiloo for the event too.
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations
Location: East Sussex
Date: 5 November
Lewes is seen by many as the biggest firework celebration event of its kind. During the Lewes Bonfire Celebrations, there will be more than 30 processions, multiple bonfires and lots of people wearing costumes.
If you have limited mobility try to make it there early, no later than 4.30pm grab a place on the pavement outside Barclays Bank next to the Town Hall. All the societies will visit the war memorial where they conduct their acts of remembrance.
Llangollen Railway's Ride The Rocket Firework Train
Location: Llangollen, Wales
Date: 5 November
Do you fancy watching fireworks whilst riding on a train? You can at the Llangollen Railway’s Ride The Rocket Firework Train.
Visitors will go on an evening steam train journey to Carrog and will stop off at Glyndyfrdwy station to enjoy a large fireworks display. On-board you can enjoy hot drinks, soft drinks and alcohol. The stations along Llangollen Railway all have disability access with station staff that can help.
Key takeaway when looking for an accessible firework celebration
Before you head out to a fireworks display, it’s important to check whether they’re accessible or not. Some are based in city centres, so you’re unlikely to have any issues getting to and from the display. Try and call the venue that’s hosting the display ask them for guidance if you can’t find what you’re looking for online.
A lot of displays are hosted at rugby clubs and local pubs which are more likely to be wheelchair accessible. It may be worth looking into these kinds of displays rather than ones in fields or parks.
