5 Bonfire Night celebrations happening in York this November

Guy Fawkes Night will soon be upon us – and with it comes the opportunity to keep up with the British tradition of celebrating this historic day.

Whether you’d like a history-focused event, something family-friendly, or perhaps a traditional firework display, there’s plenty going on in the city of York that can tick all your boxes.

Here are five events to attend for a memorable Bonfire Night in York.

1. Attend a firework display hosted by the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park

If you’re searching for an expansive, all-holds-barred Bonfire Night celebration, the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are hosting just that.

Held at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park on Saturday 4 November, this event will include:

• A traditional bonfire
• Firework displays set to music
• Live music from a local band, Chu Ma Shu
• A funfair for all to enjoy
• A raffle
• Food and drink stands.

Aside from having a wonderful time at a family-friendly event, the proceeds from this Bonfire Night celebration will go towards supporting firefighting charities that are so essential to our community’s safety.

Tickets should be bought beforehand, and the event will begin at 4.30 pm.

2. Enjoy a quiet child- and dog-friendly Bonfire Night at Yolk Farm

If you have young children, grandchildren, or dogs who wouldn’t enjoy an explosive Guy Fawkes Night, Yolk Farm have just the event for your family.

This night won’t feature fireworks, which can be frightening to pets and young children, but instead will have:

• A crackling bonfire
• Homecooked food from the Yolk Farm Shop
• Hot and cold drinks from the bar
• Pig and goat feeding in the Yard at Yolk for those who arrive early.

Tickets are £5 including Yard at Yolk entry. The event will begin at 5.30 pm on Saturday 4 November, and the bonfire will be lit at 6.30 pm.

3. Visit the York Dungeon to learn all about the history of Guy Fawkes Night

If your family is looking for an alternative to the traditional bonfire-and-fireworks combination, the York Dungeon is steeped in history, particularly when it comes to the infamous Guy Fawkes.

When Fawkes was captured after his attempt to bomb the Houses of Parliament in 1605, he was held in York Dungeon for 10 long days. Visiting this historic landmark on Bonfire Night might add a sense of realism to this fascinating tale.

Upon your visit, you and your family can:

• Take a tour of the original dungeons
• View the grizzly torture chamber
• Visit the plague doctor
• Learn about the city’s famous ghosts
• Find out all about Guy Fawkes’ time in the dungeon.

The recommended minimum age for children to visit the York Dungeon is eight years old, and tickets should be pre-booked. This could be a fun, unique way to celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night, particularly if you have curious kids who would love to learn about the gruesome history of these dungeons.

4. Gather with friends for a city-centre Bonfire Night celebration at Bedern Hall

Those looking for a sophisticated city-centre event may be delighted to learn about the Bangers and Beer for Bonfire Night Eve event at Bedern Hall, held on Saturday 4 November.

For just £22, guests can expect:

• A glass of mulled cider when you arrive
• A delicious serving of local bangers, mash, gravy, and a range of pickles and mustards, with vegetarian and vegan sausages available to pre-order
• Sticky toffee pudding served as dessert
• Live acoustic music.

Plus, there’ll be a bar serving local Yorkshire Heart Brewery beers, as well as wines and spirits, all evening.

This low-key, festive affair could be the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome Bonfire Night with your significant other, friends, or family.

Tickets can be ordered before the event, and the night will begin at 7 pm. Although there are no age restrictions, this may be best enjoyed by adults rather than young children.

5. Visit The Poppleton Centre for a bonfire extravaganza on Guy Fawkes Night itself

As Bonfire Night falls on a Sunday this year, many events are being held on the Saturday night instead. But, if you’d like to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night on the day itself, The Poppleton Centre are hosting an extravagant event that has all the trimmings of a classic Bonfire Night.

Their annual Bonfire and Firework Spectacular comprises a big bonfire, fireworks, food and drink stands, and the YO1 Radio Roadshow happening between 5 pm and 9 pm.

From just £6 a ticket, this family-friendly event could tick all your boxes and give you the perfect excuse to spend a night under stunning fireworks with all the family.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.