"Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot..."

Bonfire Night is fast approaching and here's a round-up of some of the largest fireworks displays taking place in Hertfordshire this year.

With Guy Fawkes Night 2023 falling on a Sunday, most public displays are being held over the first weekend of November, either on Saturday, November 4 or on Bonfire Night itself - November 5.

Stevenage, St Albans and Watford will be staging three of the biggest fireworks displays in Hertfordshire, while there are plenty of other displays taking place across the county.

Here are some of the fireworks displays to light up the Hertfordshire sky this year.

 

1. HATFIELD

The Hatfield Community Fireworks Event is back for another year.

The town's fireworks display will take place at the Angerland Park and Ride site in South Hatfield on Saturday, November 4, with gates opening at 4.30pm.

It costs £10 for adults, and £7 for Hatfield residents, while it costs £2.50 (and £1.50 for Hatfield residents) for children under-12.

As well as the pyrotechnics, expect fairground rides, a children’s circus school, fire eater, stilt walkers and other attractions, as well as "affordable food from around the world" at a variety of stalls.

Reserved on-site parking costs £6, but there is no ‘pay on day’ parking available.

However, there will be special bus services running from various points around Hatfield to the event.

Visit Hatfield Town Council's website at hatfield-herts.gov.uk/community-fireworks-event-2023 for more details and to book tickets.

 

2. ST ALBANS

The annual St Albans Fireworks Spectacular will take place in Verulamium Park on Saturday, November 4.

Gates open from 6pm, with the fireworks at 7.30pm.

The display in Verulamium Park will be in aid of local charities Youth Talk and Open Door St Albans.

Tickets are on sale now from the St Albans Cathedral website.

Early bird ends at 10am on Friday, November 3.

Adult tickets cost £10 on the gate (£7.50 early bird), children (over 5s) £5 (£4 early bird), and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs £25 (£17.50 early bird).

 

3. STEVENAGE

Stevenage's annual fireworks display will return to Fairlands Valley Park on Bonfire Night - Sunday, November 5, 2023.

The free event opens at 6.30pm, and the fireworks display will start at 7.30pm. 

Councillor Loraine Rossati, Stevenage Borough Council's portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: "Public displays such as this are important as they help to limit disturbances for people and animals, and ensure fewer accidents occur.

Our annual fireworks display is always one of the biggest days in our events calendar. We hope residents will join us for the evening – be prepared for a fireworks extravaganza!"

The display, which is funded and organised by the council, draws in the crowds, so the local authority is advising visitors to avoid driving if possible.

For anyone who has to drive, parking will be available at the South Field Car Park - opposite Stevenage FC's stadium - or in the town centre car parks.

"Please avoid parking in residential streets and be mindful of local residents when making your way to and from the display," said a council spokesperson.

Parking at Marriotts School Sports Centre is only available to those who need accessibility parking for the display. It is not a public car park.

There will be a variety of hot food and refreshments on offer.

Visitors are asked not to bring their own fireworks or sparklers to the display for health and safety reasons.

For further updates, including any wet weather announcements, check Stevenage Borough Council's social media pages.

 

4. WATFORD

Watford's Bonfire Night fireworks return to Cassiobury Park this year - and it is according to organisers the "largest free display" in the county.

The free display will start at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 4, but there is plenty of entertainment before the main event.

Band Pat and the Butchers are due to perform before the stunning fireworks display, along with Vibe 107.6FM playing music and holding contests on stage.

There will be food and drink stalls, along with children’s rides, bungee trampolines, and a bouncy slide.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “We can’t wait to once again welcome residents and visitors to our fantastic display in Cassiobury Park.

"This is the largest free firework display in Hertfordshire, and it promises to be a great opportunity to come together with friends and family to share in the magic and wonder that firework displays bring.

“These large events around Bonfire Night also reduce the number of smaller domestic displays, improving safety and reducing widespread disruption across a number of nights. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Watford Lions Club will be collecting money for charity and has set up a Just Giving page for those who cannot donate on the night

There is no parking at Gade Avenue car park from 3pm, with parking restrictions on roads around the park.

People have been asked to find alternative transport for the event that runs from 6pm to 8.30pm.

 

5. WARE

The Rotary Clubs of Amwell, Hertford Shires, Ware and Hertford will once again by staging the annual Ware fireworks display.

Now in its 51st year, it will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, with entrances off Kingsway and High Oak Road.

Gates open at 5.30pm, and the bonfire will be lit around 6.30pm. The fireworks display is expected to start around 7pm 

Child tickets (3 - 11 inclusive) cost £4 online in advance, and £5 on the gate.

Adult (12 and over) tickets are £8 online and £10 on the night, while prices for a family ticket for two adults and two children and £20 in advance and £25 on the gate.