Lothian set to sparkle as fireworks tear across the skyline

ROCKETS screeching across the sky, bonfires crackling in the breeze, the smell of baked potatoes and hot dogs drifting through the air tempting even the fullest of stomachs.

Like it or loathe it, this weekend is all about colour and noise, a time to wrap up warm and head out with family and friends as fireworks night lights up the Lothian skyline in style.

But where will you be spending November 5?

For most people, the annual display at Meadowbank Sports Centre is a must – the city’s biggest public fireworks show, which year-on-year fails to disappoint.

Tomorrow night looks set to be no exception, with thousands of people preparing to marvel at a spectacular display, while also enjoying some pre-show musical entertainment.

“The annual fireworks spectacular at Meadowbank Sports Centre is the biggest fireworks show in the city of Edinburgh and it never fails to impress,” says Neil Brown, director of customer operations at Edinburgh Leisure, which organises the event.

“Once again, we are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to a colourful evening of entertainment and a spectacle to remember.”

If the idea of a giant fireworks display does not appeal to you, or if you wish to spread your wings elsewhere in the Lothians, there are lots of events being held across the area to suit all tastes.

They include gatherings in Livingston, Linlithgow and Bathgate, as well as across Edinburgh itself.

Set to draw in the crowds this year is the free fireworks display at Musselburgh Racecourse tomorrow night.

Well-known DJ Grant Stott will act as MC for the event, entertaining the crowd with chart hits until the start of the display, which will have a “movie of the year” theme.

“The racecourse is an excellent facility for this type of community event and we are delighted to be throwing open the doors for the annual fireworks show,” says Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh Racecourse general manager.

“It is a popular event and we are pleased to be able to play a part in making it an enjoyable night for the many local families who will come along.”

Wherever you spend fireworks night, make sure you put safety first to ensure an enjoyable night for all.

And do not expect to be able to make your way through the city’s Holyrood Park by car as it will be closed to traffic from 6pm to 11pm tonight and tomorrow – as a special safety measure.

The park ranger service and the police will also patrol the area throughout the evening following a successful trial over the past few years, introduced to help avoid wild fires often caused by fireworks.

Rangers fear for the safety of animals and plants that thrive in the wildlife haven and are often the first to be affected by fire, which can also damage archaeology beneath.

“Bonfire Night is an opportunity for people to have fun, but it is important it is done safely,” says Martin Gray, Historic Scotland visitor services manager for Holyrood Park.

“With an area such as the park, which covers many hundreds of metres, it is very easy for fireworks, if not properly supervised, to cause a lot of damage.

“This year we’ll be working once again with police and the fire service to help reduce the risk to the park, and would encourage people to attend organised firework displays, for their own safety and that of the environment around them.”

Where to get some bang for your buck

1) Meadowbank

Gates 6.30pm. Display 7.30pm

Tickets £6. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

2) Musselburgh Racecourse

Gates 6pm. Display 8pm. FREE

www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

3) Mayfield Public Park, near Dalkeith

Gates 6.30pm. Display 7.30pm

Tickets £2 (adults), £1.50 (under-16s).

4) Pentland Community Centre, Oxgangs

Gates 5.30pm. Display 7pm. Tickets £1

www.pentlandcommunitycentre.com

5) Hopetoun

Gates 4pm. Display 6.30pm

Tickets £10 (Adults), £6 Children (3-14) www.hopetoun.co.uk

6) Linlithgow Rugby Club

Gates 6pm. Bonfire 7pm. Fireworks 7.30pm

Tickets £10 (family – 2 adults, 3 children), £4 (individual). www.rugby.linlithgow.com

7) Livingston Cricket Club

Display 7.30pm. www.livingstoncricketclub.co.uk

8) Currie and Balerno Round Table Fireworks, King George V Park

Gates 6.30pm. Fireworks 7.15pm

Tickets £5/£4, Children under-16 with adult free. www.cbdrt.com

9) Aberlady Fireworks and bonfire, FOREFIELD (SUNDAY)

Gates 5pm. Tickets £10 (family), £5 per couple, £5 (car park)

10) Pencaitland, Primary School

Park View Field, Easter Pencaitland

Gates 6.15pm. Display 7pm

Tickets £5 (Adult), £3 (Child), £13 (Family), under-5s free

11) George Watson’s Rugby Ground, Myreside Road

Gates 5pm. SOLD OUT

12) Polbeth (TONIGHT)

Polbeth United Pavilion, Limefield Park

7pm

13) Deer Park Golf and Country Club, Livingston (TONIGHT)

7.30pm. Tickets by calling 01506-446 699

14) Bathgate, Showground on Glasgow Road. 7.30pm