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Fuse is lit on London's fireworks fortnight
Elizabeth Hopkirk30.10.08
LONDON'S firework season will last almost two weeks this year because of the midweek timing of Guy Fawkes night.
As the celebration falls on a Wednesday the public are being treated to two weekends of pyrotechnics, with major displays this weekend and next.
With fireworks also being let off to celebrate Hindu festival Diwali, which was on Tuesday, the festivities stretch across 13 nights this year.
There are more than 20 major public displays across the capital, plus smaller local events.
Tourist attractions on the edge of London are also hosting events, including Thorpe Park, Legoland and Kempton Park racecourse, though some are charging entry prices of £35.
Prices are far lower for the displays in the capital's parks. Some, like Clapham Common, which is expected to attract a crowd of 100,000, are free.
The main shows kick off this Saturday with events in Battersea Park, Enfield Town, Hampton Court Palace, Morden Park and Roxbourne Park in Pinner.
Sunday also sees a handful of events, including Victoria Park and Richmond Athletics Ground.
There are several shows on 5 November itself, including Brockwell Park, Clapham Common and Kempton Park. Then the fun begins again the following weekend, with three days of explosions including the only display in central London.
As part of the Lord Mayor's Show, fireworks will be let off at 5pm on Saturday 8 November from a barge moored in the Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Victoria Embankment will be closed to traffic all day.
Safety campaigners are advising people to go to organised events rather than letting off bangers in their back gardens.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is also warning adults not to give fireworks to teenagers as they are the people most likely to be injured in accidents.
It is now illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework, whether or not they light it.
A RoSPA spokesman said: "We advise people to go to a proper display but if you do want to have your own then allow plenty of time to plan it. You need to make sure you buy fireworks that are suitable for the size of your garden and that you don't build a bonfire too close to hedges and sheds."
FIREWORK DISPLAYS ACROSS THE CITY
Saturday 1 November
Wanstead Flats: Gates 5.45pm, fireworks 7.30pm, funfair until 9.30pm - FREE
Battersea Park: Bonfire lit 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm. Music and light displays - £5, under-10s £1
Enfield Town Park: Gates 6pm, fireworks 8pm, funfair until 10pm - £5, under-16s £3
Hampton Court Palace: Gates 6.30pm, fireworks 8pm. Lights, lasers and music from the Royal Marines - £5, children £2.50, under-fives free
Morden Park: Fireworks 6.30pm and 8.15pm - £7, children £4, under-fours free, family £20
Roxbourne Park, Pinner: Gates 6pm, bonfire lit 6.45pm, fireworks 7.45pm - £4, children (5-16) £2, family £10. All proceeds go to charity
Legoland, Windsor: Star Wars-themed fireworks at dusk. 1, 2 and 8 Nov - Adults £35, children and OAPs £26
Sunday 2 November
Victoria Park: Funfair from 4pm, fireworks 7.30-8.15pm. Music, performance and special effects - FREE
Richmond Athletics Ground: Gates 5-6pm, fireworks 6.15pm. James Bond theme, music, hog roast - £10, children £5, family £27.50
Wednesday 5 November
Brockwell Park: Fireworks 7.30pm - FREE
Clapham Common: Fireworks 7.30pm - FREE
Streatham Common - Fireworks 7.30pm - FREE
Westway, Maxilla Gardens: Entertainment from 6.15pm, bonfire lit 6.45pm, fireworks 7-7.30pm. Fire acts, stilt walkers, drummers - FREE
Roundwood Park: Gates 7pm, fireworks 8pm. Music and children's rides - FREE
Wimbledon Park: Fireworks 6.30pm and 8.15pm. Bonfire, fairground - adults £7, children £4, under-fours free, family £20
Chestnut Field, Walthamstow: Gates 6pm, fireworks 8pm. Funfair, bouncy castles, music - £4, children (5-15) and OAPs £3
Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury: Gates 5pm, first race 6.20pm, fireworks 10pm. Las Vegas theme, casino and showgirls - £16, children free
Friday 7 November
Bishops Park, Fulham: Gates 6.30pm, fireworks 7.15pm and 8pm. Funfair, no alcohol - £6 (£4 in advance), under-fives free
Kingsmeadow Athletics Ground, Kingston: Gates 6.30-7.45pm, fireworks 8pm. Funfair and music - £6, children (5-11) £4, cheaper in advance
Thorpe Park, Chertsey: Fireworks 7pm. 7, 8, 9 Nov. Fireworks over water. Rides operate until 8pm - £34, under-12s £21 (cheaper in advance)
Saturday 8 November:
Lord Mayor's Show, Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges: Fireworks 5pm - FREE
Blackheath: Fireworks 8pm - FREE
Southwark Park: Entertainment from 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Fire performers, funfair - FREE
Alexandra Palace: Gates 4.30-11pm, fireworks 7.30pm - £4, children £2, entry to German Bierfest and live music free
Barking Park: Gates 5.30pm, fireworks 8pm. Music and funfair - £5, under-16s £1
Ealing Cricket Club: Gates 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm followed by bonfire. Classical music, rides and 90th anniversary of the RAF theme - £5, under-14s free
Ravenscourt Park: Gates 6.30pm, fireworks 7.15pm and 8pm. Funfair - £6 (£4 in advance), under-fives free
Reader views (4)
I agree with John Span. He should have booked these two weeks off for his 'holidays'. Perhaps he could have taken Keith Price with him.
- Derek Pringle, London
I should“ve booked my hollidays abroad for these two weeks, too late now.
- John Span, london
So just like me and my hard-pressed neighbours, London's firework night is going to last for two weeks ! Why ?
- Keith Price, Luton, England
Time to ensure all animals are kept in as dusk arrives!
- Tony Islander, Herts
