If you’re hoping your Bonfire Night goes with a bang not a squib, and don’t fancy joining the 20,000-strong crowd predicted for the Cathedral fireworks display, there are still plenty of other events taking place across the district.
This weekend sees towns and villages across the area hosting fireworks nights in remembrance of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to destroy James I and Parliament in 1605.
The Redbourn fireworks event takes place on the common on November 4, with the actual displays from 7-8pm. There will be a fair with a raffle and the local Scouts will be serving hotdogs and burgers. While there isn’t an entrance fee donation buckets will be on site.
Meanwhile the Old Albanian RFC will begin their display at 7.45pm at Woollam Playing Fields - gates open at 6pm and close at 7.30pm, and a BBQ and refreshments will be provided. Tickets on the night are £25 for a family (two adults and up to three children) , adults £15 and children under 16 and senior citizens £7.50. To save money book in advance on the club website at oldalbanians.co.uk.
Also on Saturday is the Crabtree Fireworks Spectacular from 6-9pm. This is the 42nd year of the fireworks and all proceeds go towards funding for extra facilities and activities for the students. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, otherwise tickets at the gate will cost £25 for families, £7 for single entry and infants go in for free. Tickets will be available from Thorns, Cook (High Street), News 4 U (Station Rd) and Stage Door (Southdown), as well as the school website. The event is sponsored by Savills, Godfrey’s and the Harpenden Building Society.
On Sunday, Harpenden Rugby Club will host their annual fireworks extravaganza, with the gates opening at 4pm and the display starting at 6pm. Tickets are available at the clubhouse on Redbourn Lane; £8 for adults, £5 for children up to 16 years of age, and £25 for the family (two adults and up to four children). Other forms of entertainment include bonfires, a funfair and there will be food and a bar.
Beech Hyde Primary and Nursery School will start their event at 4.30pm and it runs until 6pm. Tickets will be available at the school, St Helens, Wheathampstead pharmacy and post office. Admission for adults is £5 and children over three years are £3, infants less than three go for free. There will be BBQ, hot and cold drinks and glow toys.
Finally, London Colney will launch their fireworks at the Morris Way Playing Fields on Sunday, with the site opening at 5pm and the display starting at 6pm. Entertainment includes funfair rides, children’s stalls, food and refreshments, glow sticks and much more.
And of course as all residents are aware, St Albans’ biggest event is the Cathedral’s Fireworks Spectacular on November 4 in Verulanium Park.
This year’s nominated charities are Earthworks St Albans, an organisation which provides horticultural training for those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, and Waverley Driving Group RDA who provide horse-drawn carriage rides for the disabled.
The event will include a food village made up of street food vendors and licensed bars which will run throughout the event until 9pm.
Tickets will be available on the night at the gate, but customers can save 30 per cent by buying tickets in advance from the Cathedral Box Office - 01727 890290 or www.stalbanscathedral.org - or the Alban Arena Box Office on 01727 844488 or at www.alban-arena.co.uk.
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