The nights are drawing in and the days are getting colder, but there’s still a silver lining: bonfire night! Your Local Link has rounded up the most exciting firework nights in and around York, along with other seasonal events to warm your cockles. Just take a look at the four ‘F’s to find out more…
Fireworks
Let’s face it, it’s the big event. But with so many choices, which one are you gonna pick? The 5th of November falls on a Tuesday this year, so if you don’t want to keep the kids up on a school night, you have plenty of week-end options. For an extra early bonfire, Sledmere House in Driffield is hosting a Musical Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 26th October, with a funfair, live music, and craft ale.
On Saturday 2nd November, Easingwold Scouts are hosting a bonfire and fireworks at Easingwold maize maze, raising funds for their scout group. There will also be community bonfires and fireworks in Wilberfoss and Fangfoss, promising a cosy local feel.
If marshmallows and sparklers aren’t enough, enjoy the rollercoasters and rip-roaring rides at Lightwater Valley, which will have fireworks as the sun goes down on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November. Also on Sunday 3rd, Minster FM are hosting a massive bonfire celebration at Kilnwick Percy in Pocklington, with live music and entertainment.
As for the 5th of November (remember, remember!), Poppleton bonfire will have a hog roast, live music and fireworks. Pocklington has another, more low-key bonfire (probably recovering from Sunday’s madness!), which will be a lovely traditional community gathering.
(Guy) Fawkes
York is famously the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, whose treacherous plot to blow up parliament resulted in his grisly death, which we still celebrate every 5th November. For a creepy, Halloween-tinged look at the life of York’s most famous rebel, The York Dungeon has a permanent Gunpowder Plot display as part of its walk-around show. Looking for something a bit less historical? On 5th November, York Spoken Word are putting on a prose and poetry open mic at The Exhibition Pub: “Remember the 5th November”. Even St Peter’s School, where Fawkes was a pupil, are getting in on the action with an exclusive alumni-only bonfire on 5th November, treasonous or otherwise!
Folklore and Festivities
Bonfire night didn’t only begin with Guy Fawkes. Its roots are a lot more ancient, based on the pagan festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season. If you’re feeling spiritual, the Rising Dawn Sanctuary are hosting a Samhain Community Gathering from 31st to 3 November, with yoga, singing, and dance. Want to learn more about UK folk traditions? York University Folk Soc is hosting ICBINI, a festival of folk dance and music from 1st to 3rd November. Little ones can also enjoy some autumnal magic at Northwood Trail Fairy Sanctuary in Nunnington, which will have evening fairy walks from 25th October to 3rd November.
Furry Friends
Not everyone loves bonfire night. For a dog or cat, it can be super stressful, so make sure to check out tricks to keep them calm and safe, like keeping cats indoors and turning on your TV or radio for soothing white noise. Nobody knows animals better than Julian Norton, a veterinarian and columnist based in Thirsk, who is giving a talk on 5th November at The Centre @ Burnholme about his new book On Call with a Yorkshire Vet. For a firework-free way of celebrating the Fifth, what could be better? Sighthounds are known to be particularly nervy and sensitive to stress, so if you’re a proud owner of one of these beautiful pooches, Team Pointy are hosting a greyhound and lurcher walk on 3rd November. Meet other owners and give your pet a chance to relax before fireworks night — they’ll need it! And if you could also do with some R&R, try out Nature Sounds Safari on 3rd November, a mindful walk in Wykeham Forest which gives you a chance to listen to birdsong and reconnect with nature.
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