The Mix guide to… Bonfire Night and fireworks displays in York, 2013
As we do with so much of history, York lays claim to the Bonfire Night celebrations as it all began with that jolly old pyromaniac Guy Fawkes.
In past years, this fact has added to the embarrassment of the city when it failed to stage a half decent fireworks display. Fortunately, things have change and now we have a fair few fiery festivals.
Kaboom
Want a big bang for your buck? Kaboom is your place. Last year their show was declared the biggest display in North Yorkshire.
New for 2013 they are launching one of the largest fireworks permitted in the UK, weighing in at more than three and a half stone. On a good night it can be seen seven miles away.
Watching crowds will be invited to enhance their experience of the fireworks by wearing 3D glasses (pretty soon we’ll be asked to experience everyday life in these specs).
This year’s theme is sci fi and superheroes, with the display choreographed to some favourite TV and movie themes. Expect the return of a Doctor Who lookalike and his enemies too.
A new feature is the Sparkler Park where the little ones can wave around their sparklers safely while being entertained by magicians and the like, before a less loud and scary junior firework display.
And there’s the return of the fun fair, plus food and other stalls.
When: Sunday, November 3
Gates open: 5pm
Junior “fun size display” starts: 6.30pm
Main display: 7.30pm, although last year it was delayed until 7.55pm
Where: Rawcliffe Country Park, Shipton Road, York, YO30 5XZ
Price: Adult £12.50, children £9.50. All tickets must be bought in advance at the Kaboom website or the Visit York information centre on Museum Street.
Car parking:, you can purchase a £6.25 ticket to park your car in Rawcliffe Bar. Organisers warn that stewards will be on alert to stop anyone parking on nearby side streets.
Buses: Shuttle buses will be running every ten minutes from the Kaboom site to the city centre from 8pm to 10.30pm with unlimited travel costing £1.25.
Anything else? Mix readers have the chance to win tickets to see Kaboom as we have five family tickets to give away.
York Maze Fireworks
Whilst Kaboom may claim the largest firework display, York Maze boasts the biggest bonfire, at 30ft high. And this year they will be topping it with a 12ft tall Dalek (are you sensing a theme here?).
The Dalek will be packed with enough pyrotechnics to send it back to Skaro, and should offer a spectacular end to the maze’s summer celebrating the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who.
The 15-minute firework display will be soundtracked by hits on the themes of “doctor” and “who”.
Also at the Maze, circus act the “juggling inferno” will be playing with fire and York party band Huge will perform a set in one of the barns.
The children’s play areas and quad track will be open, while mums and dads can sneak a beer in the bar. Stalls selling food, drink and more will be available.
When: On Bonfire Night itself, Tuesday, November 5.
Gates open: 4pm
Bonfire lit: 7.30pm
Fireworks display: 8pm
Price: Adults from £12.95, children £9.95. Under threes go free.
Where: York Maze, Elvington Lane, York YO19 5LT
Car parking: Free at the site
Other displays
Saturday, November 2
Dunnington Bonfire and Fireworks
From 5pm to 9pm, featuring live music, a disco, food and a bar. Tickets £7 in advance, £8.50 on the gate. For more details go here.
Wigginton ‘For Your Eyes Only’ Fireworks
Wigginton goes all 007 on us with a musical James Bond themed fireworks display. Gates open at 6.30pm, display at 8pm, tickets £5, one free child per ticket, advance booking only. More here.
Tuesday, November 5
Copmanthorpe Fireworks
An outdoor bar, mulled wine, children’s activities and, of course, fireworks. From 6pm till 9pm, tickets £5 / £15 family. More details here.
Poppleton Fireworks
A huge bonfire, hot dogs, live music – what more do you want? From 5pm-9pm, ticekts £6, £3 children, booking required. More here.
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