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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Katie Williams

Edinburgh Bonfire Night 2021: Where to watch the fireworks and what events are on

As October draws to an end, Bonfire Night will soon approach and Edinburgh's sky will be lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Bonfire Night is a four century old tradition that is celebrated around Scotland and the rest of the UK in towns, villages and cities.

November 5 marks the date when a group of rebels, including Guy Fawkes was caught for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament with an aim to kill King James I.

Guy Fawkes was hung, drawn and quartered for treason and to celebrate the failed attack, the public were encouraged to light bonfires.

With a bonfire and an array of fireworks, it can be a great excuse to meet up with friends and family to watch the display and enjoy good food and drink.

There are often firework displays around Edinburgh, with Meadowbank often being a favourite for locals, but due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19 some events have been cancelled this year.

However there are a couple of opportunities for Edinburgh locals to enjoy a firework display.

Where can I watch fireworks in Edinburgh on November 5?

While city centre events have been called off this year, Musselburgh are still hosting their bonfire night at the racecourse.

Hosted by Forth 1 presenter Boogie in the Morning, there will be fairground rides, festoon lighting and the fireworks will be set to music. Locals can also enjoy American style food, candy floss and drinks will be available.

Although the event is free, there is a 5,000 capacity limit and only those from the EH12 postcode will be able to get a ticket.

But we reckon there will be spots you can see the fireworks without going into event. You can see more information here.

A bit further out in Fife, Knockhill Racing Circuit is hosting a live action motorsport event, funfair rides, with a bonfire and firework display in the evening. And all kids under the age of 12 go free.

This is is on November 6 and will run from 3pm to 6pm. You can see more information here.

While that's all we can find at the moment, it will be likely that people will be setting off fireworks in the garden-so make sure your pets are safe and indoors.

With that in mind, we suggest heading up to Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, Blackford Hill, or climb up to Edinburgh Castle for 360-degree views of the city and see multiple firework displays going off in Edinburgh's night sky.

Can I buy my own fireworks in Scotland?

New rules were brought into force this year with The Fireworks (Scotland) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulation Act 2021, which depicts timings for fireworks purchased and let off, came into effect from June 30 of this year.

While there have been calls to stop fireworks being sold to the public, you can buy up to 5kg of fireworks for personal use from licensed suppliers.

But bare in mind that you can only buy them legally between 7am and 6pm, and they can only be set off by the general public between 6pm till midnight on Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve. Any other time you only have until 11pm.

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