Set your Bonfire Night off with a bang at one of these local celebrations, from kaleidoscopic firework displays to live entertainment
THE SHOWSTOPPER
On Saturday 4 November, the largest free firework display in the region will return to Midsummer Common with the Illumina Fireworks Night. The event is one of the city’s longest-running and best-loved traditions, drawing in crowds of thousands each year.
This year’s display is sure to be a corker, having been designed by the multi-award-winning Pains Fireworks – the oldest fireworks display company in the UK. Founded in 1862, when Pains Fireworks isn’t setting the sky ablaze with a staggering display of colour, it’s working to make its operations as green as possible. Indeed, every Pains display is carbon neutral, thanks to the company’s work with Just One Tree to help plant and maintain trees that naturally remove CO2 from the environment.
As lead sponsor of the event, Illumina welcomes the fireworks display as both a major source of public entertainment, but also a means of supporting local businesses around Cambridge. “This display is one of the last remaining free public events on this scale in the region,” comments Mark Robinson, vice president and general manager of Illumina for the UK and Ireland.
“We encourage everyone who attends to show their appreciation by helping to swell the support of local businesses. If you are able, please bring loose change you may have to donate on the night. Large or small, every contribution will help keep this wonderful event free for the public in future years.”
Those seeking to donate ahead of the event can do so at cambridgelive.org.uk/tickets/donations. The display will officially commence at 7pm. For more details, check out cambridgelive.org.uk/city-events/bonfire-night.
IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE
If you’re looking to drag out your celebrations, then the ADC Theatre promises a raucous night of Guy Fawkes-themed entertainment. Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with Dragtime! Presents: Gunpowder, Treason, and Thot, brought to you by Cambridgeshire’s premier drag troupe. Expect a scintillating cabaret of lip-syncs, spoken word, singing and pole dance from performers fresh from the basement of the Haus of Lords. Ages 16+ recommended, it runs 8-11 November. Tickets at adctheatre.com/whats-on
BURN BABY BURN
Dare to enter the famous Bonfire Burn – a 10k course along the city’s northern fringe that draws hundreds of runners each year. Suitable for ages 13+, it kicks off at 10.30am in Histon and Impington Recreation Ground. Entry costs £16 for adults and £8 for under 18s, and registration closes at midnight on 1 November – so make sure to visit bonfireburn10k.co.uk and book your place now!
LIGHT MY FIRE
It’s a double bill at the ADC, as 7 November marks the start of Edward Kemp’s play 5/11. Under the direction of Evie Chandler, the epic dramatisation of the Gunpowder Plot has been given a punk revamp, as the story is staged in the style of 70s and 80s subculture. Channelling the 1600s through this visual lens, themes of rebellion and political allegiance echo across centuries, as the charismatic Robert Catesby clashes with powerful magnate Robert Cecil. Performances run until 11 November, with tickets at adctheatre.com/511
