Expect fireworks in the West Country!

Did you know that the World Record for the most firework rockets launched in 30 seconds is an astounding 125,801, in the Philippines, on 8th May 2010?

We don’t expect that record to be broken in the West Country this year (thank goodness!) but you can be sure that there are lots of fabulous events going on throughout the region to mark 5th November. Here are some of the more iconic displays…

Great balls? No, it’s barrels of fire… The famous flaming tar barrels are being warmed in readiness for another night of wild mayhem in the streets and pubs of Ottery St Mary. The tradition of tar barrel rolling is hundreds of years old, but somewhere along the line someone decided rolling was tame and carrying them on your shoulders more fun, and unique to this festival. Roll back to G41.

Young and old from the community in and around the village of Sticklepath, near Okehampton, get together every autumn to create a magnificent, artistic fire show unlike any other. Music is planned, costumes are designed and made and an amazing outdoor stage is lovingly built, only to be burnt on the night after a fabulous fireworks display following the play. This year Sticklepath presents ‘A Frightful Fantasy’. Keep your powder dry at A112.

Take a look at this video on the Bridgwater Carnival – a mesmerising display of colour, sound, movement and overall entertainment. Continue your celebrations at E15.

Visitors to the Porth Beach Bonfire Night in Newquay have the pleasure of watching the fireworks launch from the beach and then light up the cliffs and the sea behind them - a fantastic sight. Enjoy the starlit sky from Q3.

Wherever you are for Bonfire Night this year, have a safe and sparkling evening!

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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