Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is a beloved tradition in Britain, celebrated on November 5th. This day commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, a daring attempt to assassinate King James I by a group of Protestants, led by the infamous Guy Fawkes. While the historical significance might be a little blurry for some, the fun and excitement of fireworks remain the main attraction.
A London Fireworks Adventure
As London is the epicenter of Guy Fawkes Night celebrations, we decided to explore the firework displays happening around the city on November 4th and 5th. An article in the Evening Standard provided a comprehensive guide, listing the locations, timings, costs, and what to expect at each event.
We were particularly drawn to the free fireworks event at Blackheath, a large open space, perfect for a spectacular fireworks display. Plus, it was conveniently located near our home in the Barbican. We were excited for a night filled with dazzling lights and good company!
Navigating the Crowds
However, our journey to Blackheath was not without its hiccups. It took us a grueling hour, involving a two-train trip from Moorgate to London Bridge, and then to Blackheath. The train station was overflowing with people, all heading to the same fireworks event. Our planned train was not stopping at Blackheath, adding to our stress.
We considered taking a taxi from Lewisham, but decided to wait for the next train, which finally arrived at 6:34 pm. The streets around Blackheath were packed, creating a sea of people. We navigated the throngs, making our way to the heath, where we hoped to find a spot for dinner.
Dinner Chaos and Firework Frenzy
Chris, who had been to Blackheath before, assured us there were plenty of dining options. But the popularity of the event, which had been buzzing since noon, meant every eatery was packed. We contemplated a £5 sausage in a bun, but it didn’t appeal to our taste buds. We stumbled upon a cafe, less crowded than the others, and settled for sausage rolls and orange juice.
In hindsight, having dinner at a quieter location before venturing to Blackheath would have been a wise choice!
Firework Magic and Frozen Fingers
With our hasty snack dinner done, we headed towards the fireworks display. Blackheath, a vast, grassy area, was once a burial ground for plague victims. Now, it’s a popular spot for joggers, dog walkers, and, of course, fireworks displays! It was large enough to accommodate a funfair as well, adding to the festive atmosphere.
We joined the crowds, navigating past pushchairs and vendors selling glow sticks and lightsabers, all while trying to capture the magic on camera. The darkness was pierced by the full moon, a celestial backdrop to the spectacle.
Chris, ever the cynic, dubbed the funfair “the pits of hell,” but the kids seemed to be enjoying the rides.
Finally, at 7:30 pm, the fireworks show was about to begin. We secured a spot near the fence, despite Chris’s initial hesitation. As the countdown began, we realized being close to the action was the perfect vantage point, as the fireworks exploded directly overhead.
The display was a breathtaking symphony of light and color, with a variety of designs and colors that elicited gasps of awe from the crowd. I even noticed a London bus on the other side of the heath had stopped to enjoy the show. I envied them their warm interiors, as the night was bitterly cold!
A Freezing Farewell
At precisely 8:15 pm, the fireworks display ended, leaving us with numb fingers and toes. It was time to navigate the masses and make our way home.
An announcement blared over a loudspeaker, advising people to head to Lewisham station to avoid the crowds at Blackheath. We assumed it would be a five-minute walk, but it turned out to be a 25-minute trek. Despite the extra walking, the trains at Lewisham were less congested, allowing us to return home without any delays.
Blackheath Fireworks: A Night to Remember
If you’re in London for Guy Fawkes Night, Blackheath is a fantastic option for a free fireworks display. The funfair is a perfect distraction for children, and the fireworks are a dazzling spectacle. However, if you want to skip the funfair and enjoy a sit-down meal before the show, remember to book a table in advance. Otherwise, you’ll be settling for a sausage in a bun, or sausage rolls like we did!
Blackheath fireworks night was a memorable, albeit slightly chilly, experience! We witnessed the magic of the fireworks, braved the crowds, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Even though our dinner plans went awry, the spectacular fireworks display and the overall excitement made the whole adventure worthwhile.
