Students - Find the Best Bonfire Near You

The leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp and cool, and you’ve finally figured out that the clocks have gone back – it must be time for Bonfire Night! Yeah, uni is about being independent, becoming an adult and all that – but that’s not to say you can’t still enjoy pigging out on treacle toffee and watching fireworks.

If you’re making the effort to stand in a field on a cold November night, you want it to be worth it. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and have come up with a guide to the best bonfires within easy reach of your Student Housing Company pad. So dig out your wellies, grab your housemates and have fun!

Bristol

The Downend Round Table fireworks (BS16 6QW) is Bristol’s biggest Bonfire Night celebration, and has been going for nearly 45 years! It’ll take you about half an hour on the bus to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. For your £4.50 ticket you’ll get not only two firework displays, but also an amazing fire-based circus performance and live music.

If you fancy a smaller, cosier affair, try the Bishop Road firework display (BS7 8LS). Set in a local primary school, with fireworks, hot food and a children’s lantern parade, it’s bound to be a heart-warming evening – just like the ones you used to go to when you were a kid! Tickets are £5.00 in advance, or £6.00 on the door.

Liverpool

In Liverpool it’s all about Sefton Park (L17 1AF) and Newsham Park (L6 7UP). These two free displays are huge events, with thousands of people from all over the city gathering to enjoy the show. This year’s theme is ‘Salute to the Services’, and the fireworks will be synchronised to dramatic music inspired by the armed services.

Both are about half an hour away from Ablett House, so take your pick! If you fancy a more studenty vibe we’d recommend Sefton Park, which is close to Smithdown Rd and the University of Liverpool halls of residence.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s biggest firework display is at the Meadownbank Sports Centre (EH7 6AE). These guys have been putting on firework spectaculars for over thirty years, so they definitely know how to put on a good show! Tickets are £6.50, which includes fireworks from an award-winning team, plus entertainment beforehand.

London

Alexandra Palace (N22 7AY) does Bonfire Night like nowhere else. Join 50,000 Londoners for one of the biggest and best shows in the city – you’ll be treated to amazing fireworks, lasers and parades by Mutoid Waste, who’ve previously thrilled crowds at Glastonbury and the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a German beer festival, tons of street-food stalls, two (yes, two!) funfairs, and an ice rink. Indoors, fans of cheesy music will love sets from Club de Fromage DJs, and can end the evening singing along with the Elton John tribute act. Tickets are £9.00 – act fast as they sell out every year!

If all that sounds a bit much, Clissold Park (N16 9HJ) in Hackney offers a more traditional celebration featuring fireworks, a bonfire and circus acts. It was really successful in its first year last November, so we’re excited to see what they come up with this time! You’ll have to be organised though, as tickets have to be bought in advance from the Hackney Empire – £8.50 for non-Hackney residents.

Never Miss a Thing

With a whole new city to explore, you’ll want to be right in the middle of everything. Our stylish student accommodation is always perfectly placed to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Find out more about our brilliant locations, and keep reading our blog for more local student knowledge.