5 Captivating Events For Bonfire Night In Edinburgh 2023

This post is all about events for Bonfire Night Edinburgh.

5 Captivating Events For Bonfire Night In Edinburgh

On the 5th November every year, bonfire night is celebrated by lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks all across the United Kingdom.It is a 400-year old tradition, mainly celebrated in the UK, and is one of the prettiest nights of the year as the dark November skies are lit up by the colourful fireworks.Whether you are looking for an incredible viewpoint in Edinburgh to watch the local residents fireworks, or if you actually want to find a scheduled bonfire night event near you, then this list will have something to suit you and your whole family!Plan a memorable bonfire night in Edinburgh this November!This post is the ultimate guide to Bonfire Night In Edinburgh.

This blog post will cover:

What Is The History Of Bonfire Night?
5 Captivating Events For Bonfire Night In Edinburgh | 2023
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What Is The History Of Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night serves as a reminder of the events which occurred on the 5th November 1605, when Guy Fawkes tried and failed to blow up the house of parliament in London using gunpowder.

His goal was to kill King James I with the explosion. However, his plans were foiled as he was standing guard by the explosions and he was subsequently arrested.

The failed attempt to kill the king is still celebrated 400 years later by lighting bonfires, sparklers and setting off fireworks displays all over the UK.

5 Captivating Events For Bonfire Night In Edinburgh | 2023

The bonfire night events listed below are done so in order of distance from Edinburgh city centre.

1. Watch The Firework Displays From A Viewpoint In The City

For bonfire night this year, there are no planned firework displays in the city centre. If you don't fancy travelling to one of the bonfire night events mentioned on this list below, which are located at least 25-minutes drive from Edinburgh, then I have an idea for you!

There are viewpoints in Edinburgh, which offer impressive views over the whole city. These include:

Edinburgh Castle, only 10-minutes walk from Princes Street
Calton Hill, only 20-minutes walk from Princes Street
Arthur's Seat, 1-hour walk from Princes Street

From these locations, you will have an excellent vantage point to be able to watch the fireworks displays being set off all over the city by local residents. This way you can grab a hot drink, bring your own snacks, sparklers, and blanket for your own unique and memorable Bonfire Night. Best bit is it's free!

2. Get Creative At Lauriston's Castle 'Firework Art!' Workshop

This one is a little bit different to everything else on this list as it's not actually a firework display. In fact it is much less noisy! However, I thought I would include it for all the creative types out there.

Lauriston Castle is 25-minutes drive from Edinburgh city centre, and is hosting a 'Firework Art!' family-friendly workshop on Sunday 5th November from either 10-11am or 11am-12pm.

At this event, you'll create pictures of fireworks or a 3D rocket, which you can take home and hang proudly on your wall or from your ceiling.

It costs £3 per person to attend this event and they will provide a snack for everyone at the workshop. You can buy your tickets through the link below.

3. Prepare To Be Amazed At The 'Fawkes Festival'

'Fawkes Festival' is a brand-new event for this bonfire night. It takes place at Gosford House in East Lothian, about 45-minutes drive from Edinburgh city centre, on Sunday 5th November from 4-8pm.

The theme for the evening will be 'Movie Magic' and will feature funfair rides, a DJ, performers, face-painting, firepits, and stalls, where you can buy delicious food and drink.

You will then be treated to a captivating 20-minute firework extravaganza, set to much-loved movie music with lights and lasers.

An adult ticket is £14, and a child ticket (age 4-15) is £9 with children under 3 going free. If you bring a car, you'll also need to pay £2. All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

This event is sure to be popular! So if you'd like to book tickets, just click the link below.

4. Expect Fun For The Whole Family At 'Hopetoun Fireworks And Bonfire Night'

Hopetoun House near Queensferry is a 50-minute drive from Edinburgh City Centre. For this November, it is bringing back its 'Fireworks and Bonfire Night' event on Saturday 4th November from 4-8pm.

Gates open at 4pm and close at 6pm with the fireworks display taking place at 6.30pm.

The event will be based upon the theme, 'A Night At The Movies', and will feature a fireworks display set to film scores and all time classic movie songs. You can also expect a bonfire, fairground attractions, and delicious food and drink.

Tickets must be puchased in advance and cannot be bought on the night. An adult ticket is £18, and a child ticket (age 4-15) is £9 with children under 3 going free. If you bring a car, you'll also need to pay £2. All tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Sure to be fun night out for the whole family! Previous events have sold out and this will also likely sell out, so you'll need to be quick to get your tickets. Click the link below to book!

5. Experience A Bonfire Night Like Never Before At The 'Live-Action And Fireworks Spectacular At Knockhill'

On Saturday 4th November, Knockhill racing circuit, which is a 1-hour drive from Edinburgh City Centre, is hosting their annual 'Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular'.

As well as having a bonfire and fireworks display, the event will also feature 3-hours of on-and-off track motorsport entertainment including the legends racing cars demonstration, drifting action, and mini moto racing.

Gates for this event open at 1.30pm with the motorsport show starting at 2.30pm and the huge bonfire and firework display at 5.45pm.

To keep the whole family entertained, there will also be a fun fair, stilt walkers, fire breathing demonstration, face painting, and competitions/giveaways. There will also be a variety of on-site restaurants and food courts for when you need something to eat.

An adult ticket costs £20, and a teen ticket (ages 13-16) is £10. Children under 12 years old go free and all parking on site is also free.

This event is very popular having sold out in both 2021 and 2022, so you'll need to be quick to get your tickets, which you can do so through the link below.