TICKETS are now on sale for Leicester’s biggest and best Bonfire Night celebrations – and firework fans are advised to buy them early to get a great discount.
Abbey Park will host the city’s stunning fireworks display and Bonfire Night festivities on Saturday November 5, with a fun-packed programme of events for all ages, including live entertainment, a funfair and plenty of hot food stalls.
There will be live music from BluBeat, an eight-piece band playing Motown, pop and rock, while fire performers will amaze visitors with their pyrotechnic skills.
A quieter firework display for younger visitors will take place at 6.45pm, when a 'fire dragon bird' – with flares and fire fountains – lights the bonfire, before the dazzling main display lights up the skies above the city at 8pm.
Firework fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early and take advantage of great discounts and even bigger discounted prices for group tickets.
The Early Bird e-tickets are now on sale via the De Montfort Hall website
People will simply have to scan the tickets on their phone or print them out to gain access to the park.
Early Bird tickets cost £8 for adults, £6 for under 16s and other concessions, while a group ticket for four people costs £20. There’s free admission for children under four.
People can also buy their tickets in person from Visit Leicester, which is inside the King Richard III visitor centre on St Martins.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “Leicester’s traditional bonfire night is one of the highlights of the year – and it’s always a great night out for people of all ages.
“With an advance ticket costing just £20 for four people, and with free admission for the under 4s, this is a great value way for people to enjoy a giant bonfire, live music and a spectacular display of fireworks.”
Providing tickets are still available, people deciding to attend at the last minute will be able to buy their tickets online before 7.30pm on the day of the event, but prices will rise to £10 for adults, £7 for under 16s and concessions, and £28 for a group ticket.
Please note that no tickets will be sold on the gate on the night.
The Abbey Park gates will open at 5pm on 5 November, when the funfair and food stalls will open. Live music and entertainment will get under way at 6pm, with the children’s firework display and the lighting of the bonfire due to take place at 6.45pm. A countdown to the main firework display will start at 8pm, with musical entertainment continuing until 9pm.
To ensure all visitors can enjoy the event, a viewing area will be reserved for wheelchair users.
People are reminded that no sparklers, fireworks or alcohol can be brought onto the site – and only assistance dogs can be admitted.
There is no car parking in Abbey Park, Abbey Park Road, St Margaret’s Pastures car park or the surrounding areas during the event, and visitors are encouraged to walk, use public transport or cycle to the event, using the bike parks on site.
A limited number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available close by, but these must be booked in advance by emailing festivals@leicester.gov.uk
Advice on cycling and walking routes is available here
More information is available at visitleicester.info