Ever since I was a child I've found something entirely wonderful
about the lead up to Christmas. October is delightful with all the
fun that Halloween brings (how can you not smile walking around a
pumpkin patch?!) but November is also a time for celebration;
Christmas markets filled to the brim with trinkets, whilst browsing
fuelled with mince pies and gluhwein, the skies twinkling not just
with stars but fireworks too - November truly is a great time to be
in North Wales! Let me talk you through some of the upcoming
displays in the region where you can soak up this atmosphere too.
With events spread out over the weekend, you could be greedy and
attend more than one display...
Anglesey
Trearddur Bay: Friday 4th November
The Trearddur Bay Hotel is the setting for this display, which
you can attend knowing you've done your bit for charity! The
display is free but the donations collected on the night go to
Cancer Research UK. There will be a bonfire lighting at 6:30pm and
the firework display will begin at 7pm.
Beaumaris: Saturday 5th November
This display is incredibly popular and with good reason! Music,
a bonfire & fireworks...this event has it all. The bonfire is
lit by the Town Mayor close to the Lifeboat Slipway for 7pm and the
fireworks follow at 7:30pm. Beaumaris' very own Brassaholics Jazz
Band will be there to entertain you all from 5:30pm. The
entertainment will continue on the green after the display so why
not make a night of it! The money raised from entry fees (£5 per
person with children under 12 going free) goes towards the next
event. The fireworks are set off from the pier and it's definitely
worth heading along if you're in the area.
Insider's tip: get there early if you can because parking can be
difficult when this event is on. You could always have some supper
in one of the restaurants or pubs whilst you wait.
Holyhead: Saturday November 5th
Penrhos Beach is the place to head to for this event; the
official start time is 6:30pm with the fireworks being set off at
7pm. All children are free but adults are £3 - the cost does go
towards various good causes, so know you'll be doing some good
whilst observing!
Snowdonia
Colwyn Bay: Friday 4th November
This is a popular annual display set in Eirias Park &
certainly one to pop on your list. The bonfire will be lit around
7:15pm and the firework display will kick off around 7:30pm. You
can enter the display for free but there will be a collection with
50% of the money raised going to the Firefighters' Charity.
Insider's Tip: You can park for free at the Civic Centre or
North Wales Police Headquarters with disabled parking at Eirias
High School.
Llandudno: Saturday 5th November
The iconic Pier on the North Shore is the setting for this
stunning display of pyrotechnics - it's one of my favourite
displays in the whole of North Wales! This year we've got the added
bonus of it being on the weekend, too. The display will begin at
7:30pm and is free to watch (donations are welcome). The backdrop
of Llandudno shore is just delightful and well worth the trip for
me from Anglesey.
Bangor: Saturday 5th November
This one draws the crowds, even though the location isn't as
inspiring as the likes of Beaumaris and Llandudno. Set in a car
park on Beach Road, but you can see out to sea from here if you're
in the right spot.
Insider's Tip: This event is free and very popular with families
that don't want to travel as far as Llandudno and don't want the
mad scramble for parking that you can experience at Beaumaris.
Caernarfon: Saturday 5th November
Head towards the glorious castle for this event - what a
backdrop! This is another of my absolute favourite displays. It
begins at 7pm and you can get incredible views from the Slate Quay
and Promenade.
Llanrwst: Saturday 12th November
Held a little later than you'd expect, this is certainly an
event to take note of if you're in North Wales past bonfire weekend
itself. The display will take place at Glasdir car park at 7pm and
the trees lining the river bank are also lit up, giving it a
festive twist. There will be a fair as well as the usual food and
drink that you'd expect (hot dogs and burgers with those delightful
fried onions and soft buns….yum!).
Insider's Tip: Arrive early because this event is free and
therefore popular!
Lleyn Peninsula
Criccieth: Friday 4th November
This year it will be held at Dylan's restaurant and there'll be
a bonfire and display to enjoy. The official start time is 6:30pm
when the bonfire will be lit with the firework display itself
following on at 8pm. There will be hot street food & music to
keep the adults happy, along with entertainment for the little
ones! It's free to attend, but donations are welcomed to cover the
costs.