West Country bonfire night events...

Photo credit: www.otterytarbarrels.co.uk

The West Country is a great place to celebrate bonfire night and enjoy some iconic local traditions and visual spectacles. Here's our pick of the hottest events... 

Ottery St Mary, Devon: A tradition hundreds of years old, the famous Flaming Tar Barrels (pictured above) were originally used for the fumigation of cottages and as a warning of the approach of the Spanish Armada. Head to this charming town on 5th November to see fearless men, women and children run through the town carrying blazing tar barrels - not for the faint-hearted!

Bridgwater, Somerset: The Bridgwater Carnival, on 3rd November, sees the town centre come alive with colourful processions and parades filled with illuminated carnival carts measuring up to 100 feet long and covered with up to 25,000 lights. The Grand Firework Display is at 7pm the night before on 2nd November. Bridgwater is the largest of the famous illuminated Somerset Carnivals which take place throughout November. 

Photo credit: www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk

Sticklepath, Devon: Sticklepath Fireshow, on 5th November, is one of the largest community arts events in the south west. This year they present 'Bamboozled!', a stunning fireshow with an expected turnout of 3,000 people. The show usually takes place on an elaborate, specially-built stage, which is then burned afterwards. Take a look at last year's stage below:

Falmouth, Cornwall: It makes sense to put the Fire Service in charge on bonfire night, and that's exactly how it works in Falmouth. They promise an explosive line-up impressively set to music at Falmouth Cricket Club on 5th November.

And a few more... the fireworks at Mousehole should not be missed, whilst there’s always a good display at Port Isaac, with plenty of good grub around the harbour. Talking of good grub, the bonfire on Porthtowan village green is handy for proper pub nosh from the Unicorn Inn. For a big bang, head to the beach at Weymouth for the ‘Great Bonfire’ and an astonishing firework display to follow.
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West Country bonfire night events...

In 1605, Guy Fawkes planned a rather special fireworks display. How will you commemorate him this year? Here are some suggestions if you find yourself in the West Country on 5th November...

Bridgwater, Somerset: This Guy Fawkes Carnival is a real feast for the eyes as over 80 techni-coloured floats - some containing over 30,000 light bulbs - illuminate the streets of Bridgwater. Be sure to stay until the end to witness the traditional firework spectacle of ‘Squibbing’. Unique to Bridgwater, the squibbers line up and simultaneously light their squibs (fireworks secured on poles) filling the whole high street with fountains of golden fire. Carnival starts at 7pm. (The Grand Firework Display is at 7pm the night before on 4th November).

Sticklepath, Devon: Sticklepath Fireshow is one of the largest community arts event in the South West – the famous bonfire night with a difference. Gates open at 6pm for a 7.30pm start.

Ottery St. Mary, Devon: The famous Flaming Tar Barrels is a 17th-century tradition revived every year to rid the streets of evil spirits as fearless men, women and children run through the town carrying blazing tar barrels. Children's barrels at 4.30pm, then women, then men at about 9pm.

Abbotsham, Devon: There'll be plenty of fun at the Guy Fawkes' Fireworks Party at The Big Sheep. Make your own Guy and take part in the competition - the winner will help to light the enormous bonfire! Starts at 6.30pm and ends at 9.30pm.

Poole, Dorset: Bigger and brighter than ever, Poole's famous Fireworks on the Quay is set to light the skies above the iconic harbour. Entertainment from 4.30pm with a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.

Cornwall: Here's a really comprehensive list of the many fireworks displays in Cornwall. You're sure to find an event close by.

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