BONFIRE NIGHT IN NORTH DEVON: THE FIREWORK DISPLAYS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

24th October 2017

Remember, remember, the 5th of November… but don’t forget the 4th, the 10th or October 27th, as that’s when the biggest North Devon Bonfire Night events are taking place!

From Ilfracombe in the north of the area, all the way down to Atherington in the south – there are plenty of brilliant North Devon nights to choose from.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the area’s best events for you in one place, making it simple for you to find out where to watch the pop, fizz and whistling fireworks and bask in the warm glow of a bonfire.

THE BIG SHEEP – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

The Big Sheep in Bideford certainly caters for all ages, with a special toddler fireworks display starting proceedings!

Visitors to the traditional family bonfire will be able to bring along their very own Guy for the Guy Fawkes competition – with the owner of the winning guy lighting the bonfire!

The evening kicks off at 5pm with a special Toddler Firework Display at 6pm and the Main Fireworks lighting the skies at 7.45pm. The indoor playground will be open after the fireworks for big and little kids to enjoy.

There will also be a Mini Food Fest, while free park and ride will be able to ferry attendees from Atlantic Village to the adventure park, from 5pm to 9.30pm, every 10/15 minutes.

Tickets: £5 (full), free (child under 3ft), £2.50 (season ticket member).

WOOLACOMBE – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

There will be more than half an hour’s worth of fireworks and a roaring bonfire at Woolacombe’s yearly celebration!

Woolacombe Football Club, Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club, the Woolacombe PTFA, Woolacombe @ Christmas and The Fireman’s Charity will all benefit from funds raised at the event.

Live music and face painting add to the festivities, which kick off at The Meadow Playing Fields from 6pm.

Visitors can cure hunger pangs with a hog roast and BBQ, while there will also be a bar.

Tickets: £5 (adult), £3 (child).

BARNSTAPLE – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

Barnstaple Rugby Club once again plays host to Barnstaple Round Table’s annual fireworks display, raising money for local charities and organisations.

The ground on Mill Road will open at 5.30pm, with the firework display due to start at 7pm. All the money will be donated to local community clubs, groups and charities. A bar will be open, providing refreshments.

Tickets are available on the gate: £5 (adult), £4 (child), £15 (family).

ATHERINGTON – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

The lovely village of Atherington has been a popular attraction for fireworks lovers in recent years – and 2017 promises to maintain that growing reputation.

The event, in partnership with Brightburst Fireworks, is held at Atherington Children’s Playing Field, gates will open at 6pm with fireworks commencing at 7pm and the bonfire at 7.30pm.

A BBQ and other hot food will be available, and parking is available in nearby fields with the kind permission of landowners.

No sparklers allowed.

Tickets: £4 (adult), £2 (child 4-16), £10 (family).

ILFRACOMBE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH

Ilfracombe’s fireworks and bonfire celebration comes a little earlier than most due to it being a joint Halloween celebration!

The aptly named Spooks and Sparks, held at Ilfracombe Rugby Club, whom proceeds go to, will have a bonfire, BBQ, performers, live music from local rock band Falling Apart, a disco, a bar, bouncy castles, a Halloween fancy dress competition and, of course, fantastic fireworks.

Gates open at 6.30pm with a 10pm finish.

Tickets: £3 (adult), £2 (child under 16), free (child four and under).

BRAUNTON – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

The much celebrated Braunton fireworks display returns for its 3rd year at Braunton Cricket Club, with the promise of some “new tricks” up the organisers’ sleeves!

Expect fireworks, delicious food and tunes from Barnstaple DJ LairdGrooves, local musician Charley Charlesworth, circus skills, a bouncy castle and a sparkler zone (marked area for children to use sparklers under supervision).

There will be food available, too, and gates open at 5pm.

Tickets: £5 (adult), £4 (child), £15 (family), from: The Riverside in Braunton, Bluewave Electrical (Unit 2 behind Braunton Tesco), Braunton Cricket Club, Knowle Garage, The Manor Inn, Croyde.

TORRINGTON – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

The fantastic Torrington Cavaliers bonfire and fireworks display is back at Torrington Rugby Club this year.

The not-for-profit organisation hold the display every year, and are well-known for their out-of-this-world displays and bonfires – most recently building an incredible life-size bonfire village of Trumpton!

They celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2020, when they will build a full size replica of the Mayflower in port, also marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage, one of the most influential journeys in global history and a defining moment in the relationship between Britain, the US and the Netherlands.

Gates open at 6pm with the show starting at 7pm. Food will be available and the Rugby Club bar is open to all. There’s no parking at the club, so revellers are asked to park down in town and walk up to the club.

No dogs or personal fireworks are allowed.

Tickets: £4 (adult), £3 (child), £12 (family).

APPLEDORE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

The Appledore Pirates’ event takes place a little later in the calendar – but will be no less a celebration of all things fireworks and bonfires!

It will take place on West Quay, Irsha Street, and is put on to help raise funds for charities and good causes.

Volunteers are very welcome to come and help build the bonfire at around 3.30pm on the day of the event, with supplies welcome and gratefully donated by local tradesman who save it up all year for the Pirates.

The lighting of the bonfire and fireworks will take place from 6pm, and the evening is put on with the combined effort between the Pirates and the West Quay Public Houses. The fireworks are kindly provided by Stephen Barnes of Pyrotechnics Displays.

Entry is free, but there will be plenty of street collections to support the event and raise further funds for the beneficiaries of the not-for-profit organisation Appledore Pirates.

LYNMOUTH – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

A successful Crowdfunder campaign, which raised more than £2,500, enabled Lynmouth to hold a fireworks event this year.

Starting at 5:30pm with a lantern procession, crowds will meet outside the Cliff Railway in Lynmouth and parade over to the bonfire site (in front of the Manor House) where the bonfire will be lit by Lynton deputy mayor Dr John Frankish.

1st Galaxy Fire Works will then take over the skies from 7pm with their stunning and exciting display.

Foods from around the world will be available along with a bar and musical entertainment, while the world famous Cliff Railway will be open until 8.30pm and are offering rides for £1 to locals all day.

Many of the local establishments will also be open until late.

Entry is free.