Firework displays and Bonfire Night events in Kent for 2016

by Angela Cole

Bonfire Night is just around the corner so check out where to head for the county's best firework displays near you.

Ashford Rugby Club

Head to Ashford Rugby Club in Canterbury Road, Kennington, on Saturday, November 5 for a bonfire and fireworks. Gates open at 5pm, with the bonfire being lit at 7pm and the first rocket goes up at 7.30pm. There will also be three bars, food stalls and amusements. Tickets are £8, £4 for under 15s, £20 for families (two adults and two children) and under fives free. Advanced tickets booked online get a 25% discount. For details go to ashfordrugbyclubboxoffice.co.uk.

Bearsted

The parish council will hold its annual firework spectacular on the Elizabeth Harvey Field on Friday, November 4, with the gates opening at 6pm and the display starting at 7.30pm. Family, adult and child tickets available, with under fours free. Under 16s must be accompanied. To book tickets visit wegottickets.com/BearstedParishCouncil.

Benenden

The bonfire and fireworks will be on Saturday, November 5 in the Glebe Field, Benenden. Gates open at 5.30pm for the barbeque, refreshments, hot mulled wine, soup and drinks. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, fireworks at 7pm. Entry is £5, £2 for 15s and under, with under fives free.

Broadstairs

The traditional family firework display will be held over Viking Bay in Victoria Parade on Saturday, November 5. The event starts at 6pm, with the display around 10pm.

Brands Hatch

Sparks will fly on and off the track when the final rounds of the BTRA British Truck Racing Championship are followed by season-closing fireworks display on Sunday, November 6. There will be plenty of off-track fun for all of the family. Raceday admission is £24 in advance. For detaiils go to brandshatch.co.uk

Canterbury

Kent County Cricket Club plays host to a night of entertainment and fireworks on Saturday, November 5 at the Spitfire Ground in St Lawrence. kmfm's Laura Nevitt will be hosting the fun with live music from Old Town Souls, interactive competitions and performances from the Spitfire Sweethearts. Gates open at 5pm, with entertainment from 5.30pm, and fireworks at 7.15pm for the Binny's and KM Group-sponsored event. Tickets in advance are £6 (£8 on the gate), two to 14-year-olds £3 (£4 on the gate) and a family of two adults and two juniors £15 (or £20 on the gate). For tickets go to kentcricket.co.uk

Cuxton

The Bonfire Night celebrations will be on Saturday, November 5, on the recreation ground in Bush Road, organised by the Wheel of Cuxton. Gates open at 5.30pm, a Guy competition will be at 6pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm. Entertainment starts at 6.45pm with the display at 7.15pm.

Edenbridge

It uses the latest headlines for inspiration and makes the headlines itself every year. The event, which this year takes place on Saturday, November 5, traditionally has an effigy of a well-known personality going up in flames. Last year Sepp Blatter, the then FIFA president, was chosen to go up in smoke. Other famous faces have included Wayne Rooney, Gordon Brown, Mario Balotelli and Lance Armstrong. The main fireworks display is in Lingfield Road recreation ground. For details and to find out who will be get the Edenbridge treatment, visit edenbridgebonfire.co.uk

Gillingham

Medway's annual bonfire night display at Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham attracts thousands every year. This year's will be on Saturday, November 5 at 7pm. There will be no on-site parking or toilets on the night. For details go to enjoymedway.org

Greenhithe

The Royal British Legion Greenhithe will be holding a free fireworks display on Friday, November 4 in London Road, Greenhithe. The family event will also have a barbecue and subsidised bar.

Hawkhurst

Hawkhurst Bonfire Society will be holding their annual bonfire procession and fireworks on Saturday, November 26 at the Moor. There will be plenty of costumed societies congregating in the village for an evening of pagan-style activities, followed by a fireworks display. Advanced tickets are £4, £2 for children, available at the green shop, Hawkhurst, or £4.50 and £2.50 on the night.

Bonfire Night is a British tradition dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605

Kent Life

The bonfire will be lit in spectacular fashion at the farming attraction in Sandling, Maidstone, when fire breathers will light it on Saturday, November 5. There will be face painting, children's fairground rides, glow sticks galore, and a licensed bar plus music provided by the team at Hospital Radio Maidstone. Due to the popularity, parking cannot be guaranteed. Tickets cost £11, £9 for children and under threes free. For details go to kentlife.org.uk

Leeds Castle

This year's displays on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 will be themed around the Greatest Names in Music, although Saturday is sold out. Look out for well known names, or even your own name, projected onto the side of the castle during the display. There will be live music, hot food and stalls, with the display starting at 5.30pm. Tickets are £20 and £13.50 for four to 15-year-olds with under fours free. Call 01622 880008 or visit leeds-castle.com

Lordswood

The annual bonfire, fireworks and funfair at the leisure centre in North Dane Way will be on Wednesday, November 6, with a children's firework display at 6.30pm before the main display at 8.30pm. The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm with gates opening at 5pm. Entry is £5 on the night or £4 in advance from the leisure centre. Free parking nearby, Arriva bus 166. For details call 01634 682862 or visit lordswood-leisure.co.uk

Mersham

The Farriers Arms at The Forstal, Mersham, will hold its fireworks spectacular on Saturday, November 5, with gates opening at 5.30pm, and judging the guy competition will start at 6.30pm - bring your guy before 6.15pm if you want to enter. The bonfire will be lit at 7.30pm and there will be a hog roast and live music. Entry £6 and £3 for ages five to 18 in advance, £8 and £5 for fives to 18s on the night, under fives free. For details call 01233 720444 or visit thefarriersarms.com

Minster

Sheppey Rugby Club holds a bonfire and firework display on Saturday, November 5 in Lower Road, Minster. Gates open at 6pm, with entry £10 per car/family, £5 walk in. Licensed bar, DJ and radio roadshow, stalls and a funfair, stalls.

Firework displays take place right across the county

Quex Park

The ninth annual display at the park in Birchington will be on Saturday, November 5 between 5pm and 9pm. There will be a funfair, craft marquee and onsite entertainment. Entry is £8.50, £6.50 for three to 13 years, and a family of four £28. On the night entry will be £10 and £8 for three to 13-year-olds, cash only. For details visit quexpark.co.uk. Buy tickets here or call 07969 058951.

Rochester

The Fireworks Flex Festival will be on Saturday, November 5, between 1pm and11pm at Riverview Manor, Wouldham Road, Rochester, ME1 3TL. Performances from General Levy, Martin Ikin, David Zowie, So Solid Crew and more. Tickets from £25, minimum age 18.

Tunbridge Wells

Thousands turn out every year to the amphitheatre of Dunorlan Park. This year the event will be held on Saturday, November 5, when there will be food, drink and rides as well as the display, organised by the local Round Table. Advanced tickets cost £6 and £4 for children. On the gate they will be £8 and £5 for children. More details at rtwrt.org

Tyler Hill, Canterbury

This year's bonfire and fireworks will be held at the recreation ground in Summer Lane on Saturday, November 5, with a funfair and giant bonfire, which will be lit at 6.45pm. Gates open at 5.30pm and the fireworks will be at 7.30pm. Free parking will be available at the uni. For tickets and to book, visit tylerhillbonfire.co.uk

Other displays across the county

Great Chart Primary School: Sunday, November 6, gates open at 5pm, fireworks at 6pm, barbecue, popcorn and glow wands on offer. Tickets £4, under threes free.

Chestfield/Swalecliffe: Saturday, November 5 at All Saints’ Vicarage Garden, Church Street, Whitstable, entry £5, children three to 15 £1. Gates open at 6.15pm, advance tickets only until November 5 from the church office Tuesdays, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 11.30am, Sundays from church hall 11.15am to 11.45am.

Chalk: St Mary's Church, Church Street, Chalk's firework display will be in the woodland next to the church on Saturday, November 5 from 6pm.

Doddington: Display at Palace Farm on Saturday, November 5, opening at 5.30pm. Entry £6, £2 kids, under fives free, barbecue and bar, free parking.

Hollingbourne: The fireworks display will be on Friday, November 4 between 5.45pm and 8pm on Hollingbourne School playing field. Tickets in advance from Christopher's Shop in Eyhorne Street at £4 or on the door £5 with under fives free.

Lyminge: The village hall's display will be on Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 6pm, entry £5, £15 per family, under threes free.

St John's Primary School, Canterbury: Gates open at 6pm on Friday, October 21, with rides, a Diwali lantern parade and hot food and gifts on the playground and field. Tickets £5, £2 for children, available on the gate or call 01227 462360. No parking onsite. No sparklers, children must be accompanied.

Maidstone Grammar School: The annual display at the Barton Road school will be on Saturday, November 5, with gates open at 6pm, fireworks at 7pm. Use the West Park Road entrance, and parking at the leisure centre is now £3. Prices on the gate £10 for a family, £8, or £4 for fives and over.

St Michael's Tenterden: PTA fireworks will be on Sunday, November 6. Gates open 5pm, with fireworks at 6.30pm, set to Star Wars music. There will be a cash bar, barbeque, hot drinks and stalls. Entry £15 for families, £5 for adults and £3.50 for kids from the school office or St Michael's Post Office or call 07736350942 or 07874214763.

South Park/Shepway, Maidstone: Spuds and Sparkles is on Saturday, November 5 from 4.30pm at St Martin's Church Hall, Northumberland Road. Tickets sold in advance to guarantee food, but also on the door, to include sparklers. Tickets £5 (with food) or £3 (fireworks only), kids £3.50 (with food), £1 (fireworks only). Call 01622 862244 for tickets.

Kingsnorth: The display will be on Saturday, November 5 at Kingsnorth School, Church Hill. Gates open 5pm, display at 6.30pm. Barbecue, refreshments, candy floss and glow sticks. Entry for a family is £10 in advance from the school or £12 on the gate. Parking is limited.

Minster: Display with bonfire, barbecue, refreshments, bar and glow sticks on Friday, November 4. Tickets £4 in advance, £5 on the gate, children £2/£3, pre-school children free. Tickets from school office or minsterschoolpta@aol.co.uk

Rainham: At Westmoor Farm, Rainham on Saturday, November 5. For details call 07851 018003.

Hamstreet: The free display is on Saturday, November 5, at the sports pavilion, Pound Lees, with donations for next year's welcome. Barbecue at 6pm, fireworks at 7pm. If the weather is poor it will be on Sunday, November 6.

West Farleigh: Will be on Friday, November 4 at the sports field at Elmscroft Park, Charlton Lane, gates open at 6pm, bonfire at 7pm. Fireworks at 8pm.

Upchurch: Fireworks on Saturday, November 5 at Westmoor Farm, A2 Rainham from 6.45pm.

St Peter with St Margaret, Rochester: Bonfire and fireworks in Delce Road will be on Saturday, November 5 from 4.45pm, bonfire at 4.55pm, fireworks at 5.20pm. £1 entry, no unaccompanied children. Refreshments available.

Ulcombe School: The school will hold the village firework night on Friday, November 4, with gates open at 6.30pm. Tickets £5, £3 for children, family (two adults, three children) £15. Refreshments available, including a barbecue. Proceeds will go towards school projects.