Bonfire Night returns to Leicester with large-scale firework displays

Seeing and hearing fireworks back-to-back for at least two weeks in Leicester produced a proper Bonfire Night display for the city once more after two years blighted by covid restrictions.

One big event was the return of the Abbey Park display on Friday, November 5, where apart from the large-scale firework display, the night included a fair with different rides, food stands and live entertainment.

Everyone with tickets was welcomed to spend a memorable time in the park from 5pm, but a long queue was seen at 6.40pm with people stuck in front of the main entrance.

A 'fire dragon bird' built with flares and fire fountains was due to light the bonfire to kick-start the event at 6.45pm, along with fireworks displays designed for children as a starter.

The crowd outside the gate were desperate to witness the moment, but they didn't miss out on the ‘main course’, which was served at 8pm, with splendid fireworks going up into the sky to create spectacular displays up high for visitors to see.

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Apart from displays, live performances were also attractions that caught visitors’ attention. Fire performers amused audiences while playing around with fire, while the band, BluBeat, focused on Motown, pop and rock performances. The musical entertainment lasted until 9pm and brought the celebration to an end.

Another name for the annual festivity is Guy Fawkes Night, held to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an unsuccessful assassination of King James I in the Houses of Parliament. Celebrations are held all over the UK witnessed by thousands of visitors all over the country.

The event was a great co-operation between local authorities and businesses to ensure the smooth running of the family-friendly celebration. Setting up a huge bonfire in the park needs a lot of planning, and surplus pallets from local businesses became the ‘main ingredients’ of the bonfire blaze.

Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair told Leicester City Council: "It wouldn’t be Bonfire Night without a blazing fire – and we wouldn’t be able to build one without the generosity of local businesses."

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