Where are the best bonfires in the Lake District 2017?
Posted on October 31, 2017 | Events, NewsBonfire parties are scheduled to take place across the Lake District this Guy Fawkes’ night, but where are the best bonfire events?
Every schoolchild knows about the foiled 17th century plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament – the BBC’s new Gunpowder drama notwithstanding – but whatever your feelings about Guy Fawkes and his not-so-merry band of co-conspirators, there’s nothing like a roaring bonfire with a side order of fireworks and sparklers to give the dark days of autumn a bit of a lift!
Unless you have a Hollywood-style pyrotechnics budget, you can’t beat the excitement of a really good organised event, such as have become a feature of many Lake District towns and villages. But where will you get the best blaze, the most spectacular firework display or the tastiest toffee apples?
Family fun in Kendal
Families in Kendal can head to the own’s RUFC ground, Mintbridge, on Friday 3rd November to enjoy a free firework display with live music, licensed bar, burgers, hotdogs, doughnuts, rides and novelties. There’s no charge but all donations will go towards next year’s event. The ground opens at 5pm, with fireworks scheduled for 7.30pm.
Sparks fly at Coniston
The Coniston Sports and Social Centre is the location for this well-attended annual bonfire and firework display by Atom Fireworks. This year’s fun and games kick off at 5pm on Friday 3rd November with the bonfire lit at 6pm – complete with traditional Guy Fawkes – and fireworks scheduled for 7pm. Expect delicious home-made food and mulled wine. Entry by donation with free car parking.
A racing certainty at Cartmel
The quaint village of Cartmel, close to Grange-over-Sands is the location for a popular bonfire event each year. Revellers will convene at Cartmel Racecourse on Saturday 4th November, with food available from 5.30pm. The Bonfire will be lit at 6.30 and fireworks at 7.30pm. Stewarded parking is available at the racecourse and entry is free but the organisers ask for donations in order to fund future displays.
Traditional celebrations at Windermere
The Windermere family bonfire night and fireworks display is being staged this year on Saturday 4th November at the RUFC ground in Bowness-on-Windermere. Hot food will be available from the barbecue, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks from 7pm. Admission on the gate costs £5, or £10 for a family ticket
Spectacular fireworks at Kirkby Lonsdale
One of the best bonfire events in the South Lakes surely has to be Kirkby Lonsdale’s Bonfire Night at Underley Park on Sunday 5th November. With a sky-high fire, amazing fireworks plus drinks and hot food, it has all the elements of a memorable night out. The bar opens at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 7.15pm, followed by fireworks about half an hour later. Admission is £5 per adult and £2 for under 16s with free car parking.