There will never be a shortage of fun for anyone who finds themselves in Cornwall on Bonfire Night hoping to attend a fireworks display. From massive events which attract thousands of people to small displays which are held on some of the local beaches, there really is something for everyone. Most events take place on Bonfire Night itself, November 5th, or on the Saturday closest to the date.
Fireworks at the Mermaid on the Beach at Newquay
There is a brilliant fireworks display held every year at Porth Beach in Newquay. The local pub called The Mermaid Inn on Alexandra Road is literally right on the beach and is the centre of the activities for the evening. The fireworks start at 7pm with no charge for admission but people will be walking around with collection buckets throughout the evening so everyone can contribute what they can afford to pay for this great family-friendly evening. Wrap up warm and BYO sparklers!
The food at the Mermaid Inn is renowned but you will need to book a table on Bonfire Night as it gets really busy. It is a lovely laid back evening and generally quite mild ‐ just what you would expect in Newquay!
Bonfire night by the harbour in Polperro
Polperro hosts a great firework display down by the harbour which is free to watch, with voluntary collections being made throughout the evening. This year it will be held in Saturday 1st November 2014. The great thing about this display is that due to the way that Polperro is set out you don't have to be by the harbour to see everything.
There are many vantage points around the village or up on the coastal path where you can just sit back and watch the wonderful display of fireworks. Many people choose to watch the display from outside the local pubs with a drink in hand to keep them warm!
Liskeard fireworks display
If you want to attend a Fireworks display in the Looe area on November 5th itself, head to the Rugby Training Field on the Pensilva Road. Organised by the Liskeard and Looe Round table, the profits from ticket sales (Adults £3, Children £1) will go to local good causes.
Whizz Bang Boogie at Carnglaze Caverns
If you're still looking for thrills on Friday November 7th 2014, Carnglaze Caverns are hosting their annual fireworks display in the Rum Store at the Carnglaze Caverns near St Neot. Starting at 6:45pm the ticketed event (£10 for adults, £5 for children) includes an evening of music from the King Earl Boogie Band.
Other Bonfire Night events in Cornwall 2014
Other organized events offering fireworks and/or bonfires are scattered throughout Cornwall. Here are a few more in 2014, so there's sure to be one taking place near you!
Bodmin Football Field – 5th November at 6pm
Bude Rugby Club – 1st November at 6:30pm
Callington Community College – 1st November at 7pm
Camborne-Redruth – 5th November at 6pm
Conservative Association on Carbis Bay Beach – 2nd November at tbc
Falmouth Cricket Club – 5th November at 6pm
Helston Flambards – 29th October at 7pm
Launceston Leisure Centre – 5th November at 7pm
Millbrook Football Club – 1st November at 7:30pm
Mousehole – 5th November at 7:30pm
Penzance Magpies FC – 5th November at 6:30pm
Porthleven School – 5th November at 5:30pm
Redruth St Rumon's SC – 1st November at 7pm
St Ives Porthminster Beach – 5th November at 7pm
Truro Tremorvah Playing Fields – 5th November at 5pm
Wadebridge YFA at Pengelly Farm – 5th November at 6:30pm
Beaches always make a super location for hosting events to celebrate Bonfire Night. Do you have a particular favourite Bonfire Night experience in Cornwall to recommend which is a little different to what people may be used to?
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.