Forum Topic

Fireworks Displays

Any suggestions for the best local fireworks displays to attend this bonfire night?

Mike Hardacre ● 6426d14 Comments

Not sure what 'religist/political advantages' are but what happened to Guy Fawkes night in most of the country is the opposite of what you suggest. It started off as an avowedly anti-Catholic celebration. Over the years this meaning has become lost for most people. However, in some areas this is not the case. For obvious reasons I have never been to Lewes on 5th November but by all objective accounts the 'ambiance' is one of fairly rabid bigotry. I presume you are not refering to Bonfire Night itself when you praise the town.

Andy Jones ● 6405d

The one and only official fireworks display in Hounslow:November 5th Fireworks Display at Thornbury playing fields IsleworthAdmission Adults £4 Kids and OAPs £2Kids Display 7.00pm and main display 8.30pmCollections will be made on behalf of the NSPCCFunfair - Music - Lights - Food CourtAccording to their website:"Super new fireworks festival with one price entry and all funfair rides free of charge thereafter!Come and celebrate Guy Fawkes Night in style with this marvellous event in Hounslow. Close to Chiswick in the West, Brentford, Ealing, Hounslow and Isleworth with fun for all ages. In thornbury Park you can come and enjoy a safe and spectaculor fireworks show and then ride your fairground favourites, with children's and kiddie attractions, all time hits such as the Dodgem Bumper Cars and White Knuckle Thrillers for the brave, so something for everyone.Marshmellows added to all food on sale and seasonal surprises too. What are you waiting for? Hurry down to Thornbury Park."

Kath Richardson ● 6416d

Being a Londoner I have never heard that before, it's called Guy Fawkes night not anything else remotely religious - they say Guy Fawkes is the only man who ever entered Parliament with good intent!

Vanessa Smith ● 6418d

I never saw fireworks as a religious battle between Ps and Cs.It's strange how some historical actions can become corrupted for gain by religist/political advantages  which, in turn, leds to the creation of myths/fables.  And then there are the more 'pagan' attributes which have been corrupted and reused.I always though the burning of a guy on a bonfire was to signify the end of Guy Fawlkes, a person who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and failed because he was opposed to the monarchy and the bonfire effigy signified his demise.  But being the way this nation is, and sees two seperate ways to every action taken, also celebrated, with lots of bangs and sky sparklies, to show what may have happened if the HoP had been bombed from within.Oh, and by the way, Chiswick Business Park has a fine firework demonstration though Lewes in Sussex is better for ambiance.       

S Passmore ● 6418d

'Dont think Hounslow Council agree with celebrating anything British just in case it offends anyone !!!'Guy Fawkes night isn't really a British event but a Protestant one. It may have lost that meaning here in London but if you go to areas outside London effigies of the Pope will be burnt and local Orange lodges will parade. In parts of Ireland and Scotland the evening will result in attacks on the homes of Catholic families including firebombings. My parents used to be visibly unsettled every Nov 5th and would refuse to let me out.I'm now quite happy to attend fireworks displays locally as they never have any sectarian message and I understand why Councils organise them for safety reasons. However, I would prefer if they didn't.

Andy Jones ● 6418d

I think you will find that the displays were joint Guy Fawkes and Diwali celebrations paid for by the Funfair that was in the park at the same time. Which made sense as they fall around the same time.

Vanessa Smith ● 6418d

The fireworks in Ravenscourt Park are always spectaculr, one of the biggest displays in London. I think it's on the 8th Nov this year.

Ken Collins ● 6419d

According to the Chiswick W4 website:"The Old Stationhouse introduce their inaugural fireworks extravaganza on Wednesday 5th November from 7.30pm. With mulled wine and free popcorn for the kids at 2 Grove Park Rd, W4 3SG 0208 742 2555 www.housebars.co.uk/oldstationhouseChiswick Business Park Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on Thursday 6th November from 6-7.30pm with fireworks, laser show, stilt-walkers, BBQ and live band. All welcome.Fireworks extravaganza at Strand on the Green School will take place on Friday 7th November. Gates open at 6.30pm for the display at 7.15pm. There are only 750 tickets available and NO tickets are available on the door. To book tickets beforehand call 0208 580 7880 and speak to Jane. The price for adults is £5 and £3 for primary school aged children."

Holly Hodges ● 6420d

Dont think it was for Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night more likely Diwali or some other ethnic festival.

Mark Welland ● 6420d

Thanks for all the tips although there doesn't seem to be much going on locally.There used to be displays in Lampton Park run by the Council.

Mike Hardacre ● 6420d

I imagine if the Council did lay on a display then some residents of the Borough would complain that their taxes are quite literally going up in smoke ;-)

Adam Beamish ● 6425d

So I take it I was right concerning a Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes  Night in the Hounslow Borough?...Nothing at all going to be laid on?....Im hardly surprised in all my years living in Brentford I cant remember one.Maybe somebody from the council would like to give why?

Mark Welland ● 6425d

Quiet right Mark,It's only a matter of time before they also stop us celebrating St Georges Day next April for fear of ''upsetting'' the immigrant community of the borough who if you most probably asked them would not give a flying f**k at the idea of us celebrating as most of them have intergrated themselves into the community with no problems & are very happy being part of ''The British Lifestyle.''As regards Bonfire Night, you would do no worse than popping over the river to Richmond Rugby Club who are having a CELEBRATION of Guy Fawkes on either 1st/2nd Nov  (I'll confirm) tickets of which are £8 adult £5 child or a family ticket £25 (2 adults & up to 4 children.James Bond theme.Saturday 8th NovemberLord Mayors Show in the City of London celebrating 800 years of this great city.Prior warning to those who may attend & be offended, we will be parading with members of Royal Navy, Army & Air Force along with the relevant ensigns of the countries involved which will include England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland (north & south), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Nepal, etc etc.So don't be offended if we want to celebrate our history or our glorious dead!

Kevin Farnan ● 6425d

Dont think Hounslow Council agree with celebrating anything British just in case it offends anyone !!!

Mark Welland ● 6426d