Are you looking for a family-friendly fireworks display in the local area? I thought I would share those Bonfire Night events close to our nurseries in case you need some ideas of where to go. If you know of a great local firework display not listed below, or can give other parents a few tips of where’s best to go, please leave a comment at the end of this post.
Where To Find A Local Bonfire And Fireworks Display
Oohs and Aaahs near Pear Tree Day Nursery, North Camp
8th November: for a slightly smaller event try the Fleet Firework Fiesta held at Calthorpe Park, off Reading Road North. This display kicks off at 6.30pm so you’ll be home in bed by 8pm!
15th November: if you’re after an impressive local fireworks display Rushmoor Fireworks Spectacular in Manor Park, Aldershot is exactly that! This event attracts around 10,000 people every year and is billed as the regions “biggest and best display”. If you’re worried this might be a bit too much for your preschool children, the event starts with an under 5s firework display at 6.45pm, set to children’s TV tunes. THIS EVENT WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR 1st NOVEMBER MORE DETAILS HERE: http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/fireworks
Whizzes and Bangs near Pebbles Day Nursery, Farnborough
2nd November: there’s a Fireworks Bonanza at Mytchett Community Centre. Under 5s are free which is another bonanza!
8th November: if Frimley is not too far for you to travel how about Ravenscote Junior School’s annual Fireworks Spectacular which takes place on the school’s field at 7pm. Children aged 5 and under go free.
9th November: Farnborough Football Club host Farney’s Fireworks Extravaganza at the club for the 5th year running. Under 4s go free making it an inexpensive way to experience a large fireworks display for the first time.
Sparkles and Fizzes near Pirbright Day Nursery, Woking
1st November: 1st Bisley Scouts hold their Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Bisley Village Green. Just turn up on the night. These smaller events can be much more fun for little children.
8th November: The 21st Annual Woking Fireworks Extravaganza is held in Woking Park and promises to be one of the best displays in Surrey. As with many large events this one also has a funfair and food stalls making it a great night out (although it could be expensive!).
Please check the relevant website or contact the organisers before attending any of the above events. Naturally Curious Childcare cannot be held responsible for any changes or cancellations of these events! Last year some firework displays were cancelled because of high winds.
Fireworks And Young Children
A professionally organised firework display can be a safe way to introduce fireworks to young children, but it can also be overwhelming. Many parents will not know how their child will react until they experience them. Here are a few ways to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable time:
- Get some earmuffs. Generally it is the bangs that scare children, not the visual display. Muffle those big bangs with earmuffs and also protect your little one’s delicate ears from loud noises.
- Wrap up warm. Standing around waiting for a firework display to begin can be very chilly. Make sure everyone has plenty of layers that can be removed or added when needed. Cold toes can be particularly uncomfortable, especially if they are only in wellies; an extra pair of thick socks will keep the chill out.
- Keep your distance. At an organised display you won’t be allowed too close to the fireworks or bonfire, but it’s still advisable to choose a place to watch away from the main throng. Not only will the bangs be that much further away, but also you’ll be able to watch over your children easier if you are not squashed in a crowd. Make sure you’re not down wind of the bonfire, smoke can irritate little eyes and lungs, and it’s surprising how far sparks from a large bonfire can travel.
- Say no to sparklers. Children under 5 should not be given a sparkler to hold. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 2000 C so must always be supervised and older children should only hold them wearing gloves and at arms length.
We’ll be making some great fireworks and bonfire inspired artworks over the next week, so if you’re not intending to go to a firework display your child won’t miss out!
If you have any recommendations of family-friendly events and activities in the local area, please share with other parents using the comments box below.