Like Oscar Wilde said, “give a man fire and he’s warm for a day, set a man on fire and he’ll never feel cold again….ever!” Just kidding folks that’s not what Wilde said. Speaking of fires, the following are some of the most anticipated firework events to look forward to this 2016.
Rhine in Flames
Held in the Middle Rhine Valley, Germany, the festival is one of those experiences you definitely do not want to miss for anything in the world. The Rhine in Flames firework festival takes place from May to September, five times a year, giving visitors more than enough time to get a glimpse of this awe inspiring event. Get to see a whole flotilla of illuminated boats floating down the riverbanks, and look up to see the wonderful display of fireworks, which is simply breathtaking. Coinciding with the famous Rhine in Flames Fireworks Festival is the Rhine Wine Festival, so you get to experience not one but two unique events. Both are crowd pullers and gets an average audience of 300,000 people at a time, so be sure to get there early so that you can grab the perfect viewing spot at the event.
Lord Mayor’s Show
While there are plenty of firework displays to look forward to while in London, one of the favourites is Lord Mayor’s Show, which takes place on 7th November. With roots stemming all the way back to 1215, when the new mayor made the journey up river to Westminster to take his oath of loyalty to the King, the traditional fireworks festival has been taking place ever since and is considered as being one of the best firework events in London. These days, the flotilla sails up the River Thames which is then followed by a procession, which is then capped off with a tremendous firework display between the bridges of Waterloo and Blackfriars.
Fireworks Spectacular
This pyrotechnic display begins in the afternoon with a fire tree and lots of fire breathing and fire juggling performances. Then there’s the painful to watch, bed and nails show which is followed by an excellent display of falconry. Visitors also get to enjoy live music and fairground rides, which feels strangely unique, especially with a 900 year old castle being at the backdrop. While the castle itself is closed to the crowd, the grounds and the lake are open, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for the whole family. The festival takes place on the 9th and 10th of November and is simply a treat for all those who love firework events.
Winter Festival Fireworks Night
Starting off with a 20-minute fire walk across hot coals, the Winter Festival Fireworks Night at Aberdeen is another great display of fireworks that’s not to be missed. The festival takes place on the beach, so visitors get to enjoy soft sand, an amazing bonfire, and incredible fireworks at night. The fireworks display takes place in 5th November and it also happens to be the longest fireworks display in Scotland.
Glasgow Green
The city’s largest fireworks display is held in one of the oldest parks in the country. The fireworks display kicks off in the afternoon with plenty of food and drink stalls. There’s also a lot to expect when it comes to live entertainment. The annual fair is topped off with a splendid fireworks display which also works as the grand finale of the Glasgow Green fireworks event.
Blackpool Illuminations
Make your way to the Blackpool pier this August to see some spectacular fireworks in the night sky. The dazzling display of lights extends to nearly six miles from Starr Gate to Bispham and the venue glows for 76 nights starting in August and going all the way till November, making it a once in a life time experience like no other. Over three million visitors are expected at the venue which features light bulbs, lasers lights, neon lights, fiber optics, floodlights and just about any shape and size of lighting you can imagine. The whole event is quite cleverly orchestrated, which makes all of the displays fun to watch. And then there’s also the “Big Switch-On Concert” and the “Ride the Lights” event which gets things started.
During the event, the whole family will be entertained by a wide range of other exciting attractions which are all hosted by the popular seaside resort.
Beaconsfield Fireworks
The Beaconsfield Fireworks takes place each year on the 7th of November at the Beaconsfield cricket stadium. The event is organized by the Beaconsfield Round Table which hosts the incredible fireworks display each year. During the event, spectators can also get to have fun at the various stalls that are also part of the celebration. At this year’s event, you can expect feast on some find hog roast, Teas and Coffee, BBQ and hotdogs, Chinese food by Leigh House, and Indian cuisine by Basmati amongst many others. Visitors also get to taste some exquisite Mulled Wine and enjoy all the offerings of the fully licensed Beer Tent. Kiddies get to enjoy and play around in the many Kiddies rides, before they grab their hot chocolate before they get to enjoy one of the best firework events of the year.
Bonfire Night
And finally, “remember, remember the 5th of November!” Bonfire night is an old British tradition that celebrates the arrest of the infamous Guy Fawkes, notorious for his C4 plot of 1605 and popular suicide bombers of the 16th century. Look forward to firework displays across the city and burning the effigies of “The Guy” on top of bonfires. To this day, it is customary for the cellars in the Houses of Parliament to be searched by the Yeoman of the Guard before each State Opening of Parliament. So, there you go!
For all those who love to feast their eyes on incredible fireworks, these are the greatest hits you ought to look out for in 2016.