After two years of cancellations and pandemic restrictions, the North East is set for a dazzling return to form with Bonfire Night firework displays making a comeback in style this year.
And who doesn't love Bonfire Night? Firework events around the North East are always guaranteed to be a crowd-puller no matter what the autumn weather has in store. Traditionally the region's displays are not confined to November 5, with events often extending to weekends either side of the big night.
With recent years proving to be a damp squib, families will be looking forward more than ever to the annual treat bringing some welcome sparkle after dark times, although some Bonfire Night displays have fallen victim to the current cost of living crisis. But families can be assured that sparks will once again fly, quite literally, with lots of events taking place and they include the Saltwell Park display - traditionally said to be the region's biggest - which after another cancellation last year will be making back for 2022.
Read more: Fenwick announces its Christmas programme
We've been adding to this guide as and when new events were confirmed and here's what is lined up for 2022's Bonfire Night as that annual tradition to remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot! once again tempts even the most laid-back of us to don hats and scarves and head outdoors to ensure we don't miss out on the colourful action.
Also remember, remember those annual warnings not to attend any unorganised display nor attempt your own in the garden. That's just asking for trouble.
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park
What: The racecourse again will be hosting a Fireworks & Funfair race night - and adults can take those aged 17 and under along for free. Organisers are promising a "spectacular firework display of epic proportions".
Note: Sparklers are not allowed on site.
When: Friday, November 4
Tickets: From £15. See here.
Newcastle Round Table
Gosforth Sports Association, Broadway West Playing Fields, Gosforth, NE3 2NH
The organisation which has provided a fund-raising Guy Fawkes night display - boasting 120 effects each minute alongside refreshments and other attractions including kids rides - every November for more than 40 years is billed as the 'the original and best' and is promising another grand affair this year.
Said to be the largest and one of the longest-running fireworks display in the area, the event is the Round Table's biggest fundraiser of the year and all profits go to charities and good causes in the area.
What: Gosorth Fireworks Extravaganza says 'don't miss out on our greatest firework event yet'.
When: Saturday, November 5, from 5pm. It advises people to arrive early to avoid queues. The fireworks display itself will be at 7pm.
Note: It advises coming by Metro as no parking will be available on the night.
Tickets: Tickets will be sold online only so there won't be any available at the gate. See here.
The Big Blaze
Lintz Hall Farm, Newcastle, NE16 6AS
The Psycho Path team move away from the Halloween horror to hosting a family event on site with plenty of added extras, indoors and outdoors.
What: A Bonfire Spectacular event accompanied by a 'massive fireworks dsplay', indoor and outdoor attractions, a street food village and four bars. There will be a fire and angle-grinding show, fairground rides and a photo booth.
When: Saturday, November 5, 4pm-11pm
Tickets: There is a final release of tickets - £12 plus booking fee- after earlier ones proved a sell-out. Under-fours have free entry. See here.
Higham Lakes
Higham Lakes Trout Fishery, Higham Dykes, Milbourne, Ponteland, NE20 0DH
There has been no announcement yet on whether this annual event, which always supports charity and over past years has raised more than £10,000, is going ahead.
Ouseburn
Ouseburn Fireworks, City Stadium, Warwick Street, Newcastle
There has been no information announced about this long-running event - often billed as the city's biggest and free fireworks display - run by Ouseburn Community Centre.
Novos RFC
Sutherland Park, Benton, NE7 7SY
The club has revealed details for its annual firework display which will be in support of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund charity which helps children with disabilities.
What: Bonfire & Fireworks Display. Drinks and food will be available.
When: Saturday, November 5. The display will start at 7pm.
Tickets: Entry costs £5 for adults; £3 for under-16s and can be paid on the door. People asked not to park in surrounding streets to avoid causing jams - parking will be available in the grounds for £20 per car, including passengers. For information see here.
GATESHEAD
Saltwell Park
Gateshead Firework Display - Saltwell Park, East Park Road, Gateshead
This annual biggie, which in the past has attracted more than 30,000 people , has confirmed it is going ahead this year after a lengthy absence.
What: Fireworks, a laser show, live music DJ set, a fairground with rides for all ages, street entertainers and dance stage show. There also will be food and drink outlets.
When: Saturday, November 5. The event will open at 5pm and the fireworks display will start at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £7 (plus a 25p donation to the Cash for Kids charity) and these must be bought in advance from event organiser Metro Radio: see here.
Blaydon Rugby Football Rugby Club
Swalwell, Gateshead, NE16 3BN
After a sell-out last year, the club Blaydon RFC is planning something pretty special for its 16th Bonfire Night event - a Pyro-musical: a choreographed firework display in time with music.
What: The Pyro-musical will be accompanied by a huge bonfire, William Clark Funfairs rides and food vendors too. A disco and refreshments will be served until late.
When: Saturday, November 5, starting at 5.30pm with the William Clark Fun Fair; to be followed by music from 6pm then the bonfire at 6.15pm and fireworks at 7.15pm.
Tickets: There won't be any tickets sold at the gate; all must be bought online: see here.
Note: There will be on-site parking.
Rutherford Football Club
Beggarswood, Coach Road, Lobley Hill, NE11 0HJ
What: Fireworks and Bonfire Display. The clubhouse's annual community event this year, choreographed by Illumination Pyrotechnics, has a Disney and Marvel theme so families are encouraged to dress up and join the fun. This will include music courtesy of DJ Connor; a pizza van; toy stall and face painting.
When: Saturday, November 5. The event will start at 6pm.
Tickets: Tickets are on sale online - see here - and cost £9 for adults; £7 for those aged five to 16 or £28 for a family (two adults and two children), plus booking fees. Under-fives have free admission and car parking is £3.50. For more about the club see here.
Gateshead Rugby Club
Eastwood Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5UB
What: The club is planning a fireworks celebration in its grounds for Bonfire Night and it says free parking will be available nearby at The Dryden Centre in Evistones Road.
When: Sunday, November 6. Gates will open 4.30pm and the fireworks display will follow at 6.30pm.
Tickets: £6, with free entry for under-fives. These are available online - see here - or in cash from the clubhouse - which is open 8pm to 11pm midweek and weekends from 11am to 11pm - or from nearby shop The Dotty House.
Note: The club reminds people the event will not be suitable for dogs and sparklers are not allowed.
Barmoor Field
Ryton, NE40 3AG
A free community firework display with a funfair which has been organised with the help of fund-raising efforts for the past few months. It is promising one of the biggest free displays in the area but is hoping for donations towards the cost due to the expense involved.
What: Barmoor Fireworks will also include a funfair, food and drinks.
When: Friday, November 4. The entertainment will start at 4pm followed by fireworks at 7pm.
Note: In previous years organisers have urged people to use public transport: look out for a handy number 10 Bus running from Blaydon heading west and from Prudhoe heading east every 15 mins or so.
Tickets: Free. For donations see here or make them on the night.
NORTH TYNESIDE
The Links
Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ - North Tyneside Fireworks Display
This annual fireworks display, hosted by North Tyneside Council, attracts thousands of people to a spectacular show overlooking the North Sea off Whitley Bay.
What: Traditional fireworks display, accompanied by fairground rides and refreshments.
When: November 6, from 6pm, with the display starting at 7pm and lasting for around 20 minutes.
Tickets: Free. For more information see here.
Note: Organisers say traffic in the area will be busy so many people may choose to use the Metro.
In the event of bad weather, they add that the event will take place the following night.
Segedunum Roman Fort
Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR
The fort has announced that its popular Fireworks at the Fort event - which did not go ahead last year - will be back, lighting up the night sky over the River Tyne where Swan Hunter used to launch its ships.
What: Fireworks at the Fort
When: Saturday, November 5. Entry to the museum will be free from 4pm with fireworks from 6:30pm.
Note: Dogs are not allowed.
Tickets: Free, although donations would be very welcome. For more about the event see here.
Blue Flames Sporting Club
Whitley Park, Whitley Road, NE12 9SF, near Benton Metro Station
Blue Flames Leisure Centre says: "We are back! Finally after two years we are back with our annual fireworks display!" and local familes will be delighted to hear it.
What: The Annual Fireworks Fun Night will see the display accompanied by fairground rides, Disney characters, hot food and a tuck shop. The cafe and bars will be open.
When: Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 4.30pm and the display will be around 7pm. The event will wrap up at 9pm.
Tickets: Costing £7.50 (£5.50 for children), these will not be available on the gate and must be bought online in advance - see here - or by calling into the club's ,aom reception.
Note: Organisers say local parking is difficult so they advise people to use the Metro - the club is located just 200 metres from Benton Metro Station - or local buses.
Tynemouth Cricket Club
Percy Park, North Shields, NE30 2BG
The club is again this year hosting a annual bonfire and fireworks display during Halloween. For the October 29 event's information and ticket details see here.
SOUTH TYNESIDE
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, Sea Road, South Shields, Tyne And Wear, NE33 2LD
The double-treat annual free fireworks displays, co-hosted by South Tyneside Council, will be back with its traditional two displays on the one evening.
What: Weather permitting, the double whammy celebration in South Tyneside., which last year featurerd a special tribute to the NHS, is being sponsored by by The New Sundial
When: Sunday, November 6. South Tyneaside Council has teamed up with the South Shields park to host fireworks behind the fairground in Sea Road at 6.30pm then there's a main display to follow at 8pm. Park rides will be open from 12noon until around 9pm.
Tickets: The fireworks displays is free. Those going along are asked to be Covid-conscious, to take a test first, wear a face covering and be respectful of others' space.
Note: Besides the immediate seafront area, good vantage points are available along the coastline including the high points of North Marine - at Lawe Top - and South Marine Parks, the Leas and the Coast Road areas as well as Littlehaven and Sandhaven promenades. Roads along the seafront are likely to be busy so families are being advised to allow plenty of time for travel and parking. They should also leave dogs - and sparklers - at home. The event will be dependent upon weather as well as Covid 19 guidelines so keep an eye out on the council events Facebook page for any updates.
NORTHUMBERLAND
Hexham Round Table
Sele Park, Hexham
This is the organisation's flagship event, and probably the biggest event of the year with upwards of 12,000 people descending on Hexham. Set up in 1956, the self-funding event enables the Round Table to make donations to local charities and community organisations. After last year's bonfire and fireworks were cancelled again, it is making a comeback but says that, 'due to limited resources', it will be doing things differently this year. See here. Previously, it also has invited anyone able to help with the event in any way to email hexhamroundtable@gmail.com or message its Facebook page.
What: It won't be having the traditional bonfire extravaganza this time but says it 'will of course have an amazing fireworks display'. There will be not be any food, drink or merchandise on sale inside the Sele but it says 'please do support the great range of pubs and restaurants throughout the town before coming along to the event'.
When: Saturday, November 5, from 6.30pm (start time to be confirmed) until 7.30pm.
Note: There will not be any no bucket collections on the gates but is due to announce a text-based donation service. Organisers expect large crowds so asks people to arrive in good time and to use public transport if possible. Limited parking will be available at the Wentworth car park near Waitrose.
Alnwick Round Table
Alnwick Rugby Club, Greensfield Avenue, Alnwick, NE66 1BE
The self-funded event is going ahead this year. Usually, it's paid for by the previous year's display but, in the wake of the pandemic, it has faced tough times and is appealing for donations. But it says that this year "Alnwick Round Table Fireworks will go off with a bang!"
What: Community firework display which encourages local support.
When: Saturday, November 5. Gates will open at 6.30pm with fireworks at 7.30pm.
Tickets: Fast-track tickets are on sale now, costing a discounted £5 for adults and £3 for children. Family tickets are also available and there are options to make donations. See here. Tickets also will be available on the door for cash or card payments.
Note: there's no news this year about a fireworks display at Kirkley Hall in Ponteland, NE20 0AQ.
Blyth Firework Festival
Mermaid Car Park, Blyth, NE24 3PL
Blyth Town Council hosted a biggie event last with a nautical theme - with people invited to dress up - plus music, a fun fair and catering outlets. This year it will be bringing another event at the beach with a 'fantastic' display, food traders and a funfair again. See the council website or Facebook page for any upcoming news.
What: Annual Firework Festival which encourages local support.
When: Saturday, November 5, from 4pm-8pm. The fireworks will begin at 7pm.
Tickets: This is free entry.
Note: The car park will be closed for the event and the public will find signposts to car parks around Blyth.
COUNTY DURHAM
Note: there is no news of a firework display at Aykley Heads, Durham Police headquarters.
Beamish Hall Fireworks Extravaganza
Beamish Hall Hotel, Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley DH9 0YB
The hotel, host of 'one of the biggest fireworks displays in the North East', is promising another sparkling affair to illuminate the grounds and hall itself.
What: Annual fireworks event, running for three nights, will take in a pre-firework show with performers and entertainers, a DJ and fairground rides. There also will be hot drinks and snacks available from on-site vendors on site and drink from the bars.
When: November 2, 3 and 4. Gates open at 6pm and fireworks will be from 7.30pm.
Tickets: Prices are per car: £35. See here. Overnight accomodation packages are also available: email reservations@beamish-hall.co.uk or visit here.
Seaham Fireworks
Seaham seafront
Seaham Town Council's annual free fireworks event is due to return to the seafront.
What: The popular free fireworks display usually takes in Terrace Green and George Elmey Lifeboat Way, with stalls and fairground rides.
When: Saturday, November 5, 7pm-7.30pm
Note: Best viewing experience is said to be from George Elmy Lifeboat Way and Seaham Marina.
Tickets: Free
Kynren Pyromusical
Flatts Farm, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF
The outdoor theatre event, which has earned rave reviews, has completed its run and will be back next with its Pyromusical which proved a sell-out last year.
What: Billed as the North East's biggest Pyromusical fireworks spectacular, this 'multi-sensory' event is this year titled 'Either Side of the Pond' and will feature a 'US vs UK' soundtrack. It will comprise a 25-minute firework display on its 7.5-acre stage. Hot dogs, popcorn, chips and drinks will be available from the Food Court and there will be fire pits around the outdoor site so people can keep warm.
When: Saturday, November 5. Gates will open at 4pm and the performance will begin at 7pm.
Tickets: £12 for adults; £6 for under-18s. A shuttle bus option to reach the site will be available from Bishop Auckland bus station, costing £2 per person. While the site has a 8,000-seat capacity, these will be sold and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. See here.
Chester-le-Street Fireworks
Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, DH3
The stamping ground of Chester-le-Street Cricket Club is hosting its firework spectacular again this year and it says it will be 'bigger and better than ever before'.
What: Its fireworks event will be back for a remarkable 33nd time and this time it will have an ABBA theme There will be hot food and bar facilities available too. It says: "Like fine cheese and wine, our event gets better with age so this one is due to be the best yet, because who doesn't love ABBA?
When: Friday, November 4; from 5pm.
Tickets: Adults £6; under-16s £3 and free for under-threes. Book here.
Hardwick Hall Hotel
Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, TS21 2EH
The hotel is hosting a two-day Firework Extravaganza with family entertainment and VIP ticket options.
What: The event will include a 'huge' bonfire, fireworks, fairground rides, street food vans and hot drinks stations.
When: Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. Gates will open at 5pm and the event will run until around 8.30pm.
Tickets: General admission tickets for the Saturday are now sold out but some VIP packages remain, with a 'VIP bench' for up to six people costing £70 which includes seating on the lower lawn and two car parking passes for the rear of the hotel. General admission tickets, £6, (and VIP packages) are still available for the Sunday. Children under five attend for free. For tickets see here.
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