Ben Newman takes a peek at some of the best places to spend Bonfire night, whether you want to gaze up at the skies or hide away in the cosy dark.
Llangollen Railway Fireworks
Add a twist to your normal Bonfire Night routine with a firework display/train-ride hybrid. The scenic train ride will take you through the Denbighshire countryside from Llangollen to Carrog before getting off at a station for a raucous firework display in the countryside.
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Sat 4 Nov. Tickets: £16.50/£10 (u3s free). Info: 01978 860979 / http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/
Abergavenny Disney Fireworks
If you want your Bonfire Night to have a bit more Disney-sponsored magic, then head down to Abergavenny’s Disney fireworks show. The event will have a ‘Princess Sing Along’ with royalty mainstays Moana, Belle, Rapunzel and Elsa. The event comes with food, drinks and a funfair. If you’ve ever fancied singing your heart out to Mulan whilst a firework goes off, then this is the perfect opportunity (plus, you can always use the excuse that it’s “for the kids” to hide your Disney fanaticism).
Belgrave Park, Abergavenny, Sun 5 Nov. Tickets: £3/£5. Info: https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/
Barry Island Firework Fiesta by Boat
Cardiff Sea Safaris are offering their annual trip to Barry Island this Bonfire Night, so you can enjoy the best sea view of the firework display available. Cardiff Sea Safaris will be offering a trip from Cardiff Bay across the water to Barry Island to see the annual Barry Firework Fiesta. A selection of drinks and food is available on the trip. You are advised to wrap up really warm as it gets cold on the water, but I suppose that makes a nice change from being freezing in a field somewhere. Go on, embrace your sea legs.
Cardiff Bay, Sat 4 Nov. Tickets: £35/£40. Info: http://www.visitthevale.com/en/Home.aspx
Diary of a Madman
If you fancy hiding away from the early Bonfire Night celebrations this weekend, then catch Robert Bowman’s excellent play Diary of a Madman at Chapter Arts Centre this weekend. The satirical play tells the story of Poprischin, a civil servant driven insane by government hierarchy, who delves into his own fantasy world to escape the tedium of bureaucracy. The brilliantly funny play is adapted from Nikolai Gogol’s short story of the same name and is directed by Olivier Award nominee Sinéad Rushe.
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Thu 2 Nov – Sat 4 Nov. Tickets: £10/£12. Info: 029 2030 4400 / https://www.chapter.org/
Caerphilly Castle Fireworks Display
Castles and fireworks curiously work well together, which is why the Caerphilly Castle firework display has been running for years. Do something a little different and check out the always vibrant firework display against the backdrop of a castle. The event is donation only, with proceeds going towards the Urdd Eisteddfod and Caerffili Lions.
Caerphilly Castle, Sat 4 Nov. Tickets: free (donations preferred). Info: http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/caerphillytc/content/whatson
Tiger Bay Presents: Songs and Stories
Mike Johnson and Keith Murrell have orchestrated an evening that traces the stories and music of Tiger Bay. Referencing Mike’s songbook ‘Cardiff Songs, Tales From Tiger Bay and Far Beyond’ and Keith’s own experiences, they thread together an honest recreation of the characters, places, events and history of Tiger Bay. Pop down to the Millennium Centre and get a taste of Cardiff Bay’s pre-gentrification days.
Octavo’s Book Cafe and Wine Bar, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Fri 3 Nov. Tickets: free (requires booking). Info: 029 2063 6464 / https://www.wmc.org.uk/
