Bonfire Night set to go off with a bang

Published on Wednesday 4 November 2009 08:54

BONFIRES, firework displays and samba drumming are just a few of the fun events taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians to mark Guy Fawkes Night.

Fireworks will light up the skies at a number of bonfire celebrations across the Capital, with the city's biggest public fireworks show taking place at Meadowbank tomorrow night.

The display will feature a Disney theme, with pre-show entertainment including acrobats, giant puppets and drummers. Smaller events are taking place across the city and the Lothians, with firefighters urging people to stay safe and attend an organised event.

&#149 Are you looking forward to celebrating Bonfire Night tomorrow?

Community safety manager for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Geoff Aird, said: "We want everyone to enjoy this time of year safely. It is best to attend supervised bonfires and fireworks displays where you know that safety is the priority and the event has been carefully organised."

Meanwhile, the Scottish SPCA encouraged pet owners to keep their animals indoors during the celebrations.

The charity's chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said: "While people are celebrating this Bonfire Night, it is worth bearing in mind that it can be a very stressful time for pet owners who are trying to protect their animals from the fear and distress caused by fireworks.

"Anyone with an animal that does suffer from a fear of fireworks should keep their pet indoors on Bonfire Night, with the curtains closed and the television or radio turned on for background noise.

"Owners should stay calm and ignore the bangs, as pets can pick up on stress or anxiety."

EXPLOSIVE ENTERTAINMENT

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh's premier display will be hosted at Meadowbank Stadium. The fireworks start at 7:30pm, with pre-show entertainment from 6:30pm. Tickets 5 each. To book, contact Meadowbank on 0131-661 5351.

&#149 A bonfire and fireworks display will take place in front of the Pentland Community Centre in Oxgangs Brae at around 7:30pm. A dance display by Oxgangs Bellettes pom-pom and twirling troupe will start in the centre at 5:45pm, followed by a show from children's entertainer, Tricky Ricky, at 6:30pm. Admission costs 1.

&#149 Clovenstone Community Centre will hold a fireworks display from 7pm.

MIDLOTHIAN

&#149 A bonfire will take place at Mayfield Park at 7pm.

EAST LOTHIAN

&#149 East Lothian Council's official fireworks display will take place at Musselburgh Racecourse. Gates open at 5:30pm, with fireworks kicking off at 8pm. Forth One's Grant Stott will be master of ceremonies. There will also be fairground rides, children's competitions and live music. Admission is free.

&#149 Community fireworks displays will take place at Cockenzie and Port Seton tomorrow, with Pencaitland and Aberlady hosting events on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

&#149 A fireworks display at North Berwick Harbour starts at 7:30pm.

&#149 A 20-minute fireworks display at the Hallhill Healthy Living Centre in Dunbar will start at 7pm on Saturday, while the Fa'side fireworks display will take place at the playing fields on Haddington Road in Tranent on Friday at 6:30pm.

WEST LOTHIAN

&#149 A bonfire at Mains Park, home of Linlithgow Rugby Club, will be lit at 7pm with the fireworks – over 2,000 worth – starting at 7:30pm. For more information visit http://www.linlithgow.com

&#149 Hopetoun House will stage a bonfire and fireworks display, with the event also featuring fire jugglers, fire eaters, and samba drummers. The fireworks display starts at 7:30pm. Tickets cost 5 per person at the gate, which opens at 6pm. Access is via Farquhar Terrace and Society Road in Queensferry.

&#149 A fireworks display is planned for Meadow Park, Glasgow Road, in Bathgate on Saturday. Gate opens at 6:30pm, while a fireworks display and community bonfire will take place at Torphichen's Wood Park on Saturday night.