LEICESTER’S Abbey Park is to once again host the city’s biggest firework display, with this year’s event taking place on Saturday 1 November.
Tickets are now on sale for the spectacular event, which this year promises plenty of Halloween-themed fun, with costumed characters and a spooky stage show, as well as live music, dazzling pyrotechnics and a blazing bonfire.
Visitors can look forward to two stunning firework displays, with the lighting of the bonfire and a quieter show for young children at 6.45pm, and the main display lighting up the night sky at 8pm.
But the fun starts when the gates open at 5pm, with live music on the main stage from 2Funky Arts in a programme hosted by BBC Radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman and Laurie Dyche.
Sets by top local talent, including LVT, Recode and Comprehend, will be followed at 6pm by Showstoppers’ Rave at the Grave – a pop-fuelled, singalong dance party led by Morticia and Gomez Addams and featuring Disney villains the Sanderson Sisters, Beetlejuice, Ursula the Sea Witch and the Wicked Queen.
There will also be a dazzling performance from Fire & Sparks – a high-impact, choreographed performance of fireballs, pyrotechnics and breathtaking artistry – before Funny Bones the pyrotechnic skeleton helps to light the bonfire at 6.45pm. Pudsey Bear and Filbert Fox are expected to join in the fun too.
90s Rewind will bring the party sounds of the 90s to the main stage from 7pm, before another stunning performance from Fire & Sparks sets the scene for the main event – the fireworks – at 8pm.
More live music from Strizzy Strauss and Deiah will ensure the evening ends on a high at 9pm.
Throughout the evening, costumed characters and performance artists – including a glow-up pumpkin, a triple-headed skeleton and a stunning Monarch butterfly – will provide pockets of fun across the park.
There will also be a funfair, licensed bars and a wide choice of hot food and drinks, offering families everything they need for a great night out.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “The Abbey Park firework display is one of the most popular events in the city’s calendar.
“This year, with the event following hot on the heels of Halloween, we’ve invited some playful ghosts and creepy creatures along to add some spooky fun to the evening.
“It promises to be a brilliant night out for families and friends of all ages!
“Buy your tickets by 31 October to get the best deal – and please remember that no tickets will be sold at the gate on the night.”
Early bird tickets are on sale now, with a family ticket costing £28 (+ online booking fee). There is no charge for children aged four and under.
Ticket prices will go up on the day of the event, when a family ticket will cost £40 (+ online booking fee).
Tickets can be purchased online at visitleicester.info/bonfire. To avoid booking fees, tickets can also be purchased in person from the box office at De Montfort Hall, Granville Road.
No tickets will be sold at the gate.
The Abbey Park bonfire and firework display will take place on Saturday 1 November – four days ahead of Bonfire Night, which this year falls on a Wednesday.
Any business that can donate wooden pallets for the Abbey Park bonfire is asked to email Leicester City Council’s festivals team at festivals@leicester.gov.uk
Donated pallets would need to be delivered to Abbey Park on Friday 31 October by prior arrangement with the festivals team.
Picture caption: Fireworks over Abbey Park
Timetable for Abbey Park Firework Display
5pm: Gates open
5.15pm: 2Funky Showcase: LVT, Recode and Comprehend (main stage)
5.45pm: Fire & Sparks show
6pm: Rave at the Grave (main stage)
6.45pm: Children’s firework display; lighting of the bonfire
7pm: 90s Rewind (main stage)
7.45pm: Fire & Sparks show
8pm: Ultimate Firework Display
8:30pm: 2Funky Showcase: Strizzy Strauss; Deiah (main stage)
9pm: Event ends