Tom Hedley looks forward to the noisiest events of the year.
East London is hosting an array of spectacular displays on a range of different days – one on Sunday 2nd November, another on 5th November (Guy Fawkes Night), and still more on Saturday 8th November.
If the weather stays warm, there’s even less excuse not to go out and enjoy. Here’s the Rising East guide to what’s worth watching.
The Lord Mayor’s Show marks the start of the City of London’s new mayoral year, and is launched by the square mile’s new Lord Mayor (N.B. it’s not Boris). The day-long show includes a procession and a Thames river pageant, culminating with a fireworks display between Waterloo and Blackfriars Station, starting at 5.15pm on Saturday 8th November. Note: Waterloo Bridge and the surrounding roads will be closed for the duration of the event. INFO: www.lordmayorsshow.london/fireworks
Hackney Council is putting on its first public fireworks display in 10 years. It takes place at Clissold Park on Saturday 8th November. Not only pyrotehnics, it promises to be ‘pyromusical’. Gates open at 5pm, with the display starting at 7.30pm. Pre-booked tickets are essential. INFO: www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-council-fireworks-clissold. Tickets £7.50/£2.50 locals; £8.50/£3.50 everyone else.
Southwark Council’s Free Fireworks Night takes place at Southwark Park on Wednesday 5th November. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the display beginning at 7pm. Besides the main display there will be pop tunes, ‘fire and light’ circus performances and a family funfair. Oh, and in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s free. INFO: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents/fireworks
Tower Hamlets celebrates from 7pm on Sunday 2nd November with two ‘simultaneous and glittering’ displays lighting up the skies over Weavers Fields and Millwall Park. There is no additional entertainment but light refreshments are available throughout the evening. INFO: www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk/?guideEvents&cat=10&cid=55146