list.co.uk/aroundtown AroundTown
NOVEMBER EMBERS Put on a pair of gloves, take off your shellsuit and lock your pets indoors. It’s fire-lighting time. Lauren Mayberry rounds up the best Guy Fawkes events in Glasgow and Edinburgh
W hether you’re suckered in by the promise of some sparklers, or the sight of a good Catherine wheel takes you back to your youth, fireworks celebrations are the very peak in wholesome, autumnal fun.
Tired of having disappointing bonfire nights because you didn’t know what field in your area would be hosting the ultimate firecracker show? Well, fret no more, List reader – we have done some recon in your local area to find out where best to light your sparklers this November weekend. Glasgow has a plethora of suitable spots to scoff a candy apple. Glasgow Green (Sat 5 Nov, 4pm; free) is one of Scotland’s biggest bonfire events, offering hot food and local radio DJs. This one usually packs out pretty quickly, so come early if you want to get a good parking space nearby. Last year’s bangers were Mamma Mia themed, with Abba classics being cranked out across the park, so expect something similarly ridiculous and good fun this time round.
D r u m c h a p e l a n d We s t W i n t e r f e s t (Drumchapel Park, Sat 5 Nov, 4pm; free) have activities planned to turn an afternoon into an evening, with entertainment from X Factor’s Hollie Burns, Take That 2 and Lady Gaga tribute Jenni Jayne. A low-level, music-themed fireworks display will start at 7pm, with the main show at 7.30pm. Family-friendly, with catering, stalls, dancers and a funfair. Outside the city, head to B r o a d w o o d Stadium in Cumbernauld (Fri 4 Nov, 7.30pm;
free) for a cosy bonfire. Dunbeth Park in Coatbridge and Airdrie Leisure Centre will also be hosting events on the Friday (Fri 4 Nov, 7pm; free). Hot food and drink will be available to buy and the display should last about 30 minutes – perfect for those of a more sensitive disposition / with a penchant for inappropriate winter clothing. Strathclyde Countr y Park (Sat 5 Nov, 7.30pm; free) always pulls in a massive crowd, with a stage for musical acts, stalls and rides for the weans. Fireworks will start at 8.20pm. Be sure to get there in time – last year some firecrackers were set off from the middle of the water. Picturesque, no?
REMEMBER TO PICK UP SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR, A WARM JACKET AND YOUR INNER CHILD
In Edinburgh, Meadowbank Fireworks Display will take place at Meadowbank Sports Centre (Sat 5 Nov, 6.30pm; £6), with the ’crackers going off at 7.30pm. Parking here is limited too, so venture on foot where you can and ensure a speedy exit after the festivities. Linlithgow Rugby Club (Sat 5 Nov, 6pm; £4 / £10 family ticket) are opening their clubhouse and bar for their annual Fawkes- friendly celebration, with hot dogs, burgers, soup and hot drinks onsale before the 20-
minute display, as well as bonfire-themed treats for the kids. Hopetoun House (Sat 5 Nov, 4pm; £6–£10; car parking free) aims to build on its existing good bonfire rep, with the display being accompanied by food stalls and live entertainment infront of the stately home. Fireworks, set to start at 6.30pm, will be set to music from Walt Disney’s classics.
Musselburgh Race Course (Sat 5 Nov, 6pm; free) will be setting off their fireworks at 8pm, with pre-display musical entertainment and banter from compère Grant Stott, Forth One DJ, regular face on The Hour and panto favourite.
And if none of those traditional activities are catching your eye, check out W i re d F o r S o u n d and their first birthday bash, Remember, Remember the 5th of November, in Leith (The Village, Sat 5 Nov, 9pm; free). Resident DJs Allan Dunbar and Steven Wanless celebrate a year of free events in the city by spinning their favourite tunes of all genres and will be bringing along a box of bangers for outdoor fun. And finally, the safety stuff. Your mum was right when she told you to keep your pets indoors on this night most filled with unexpected, cat and dug terrorising noises, so take a moment to think about your little critters. When you’re heading out for the evening, remember to pick up some sensible footwear, a warm jacket, pocket change for some candy floss and, most importantly, your inner child.
20 Oct–17 Nov 2011 THE LIST 43