Bonfires and firework displays are a cherished tradition that bring people together to watch the night sky light up with bursts of colour.
Cumbria boasts some of the most stunning locations for bonfires and fireworks displays, so it’s no surprise that thousands of people brave the cold weather to see them.
Due to limited space at many of the venues, finding a suitable parking spot can be a daunting task, so here’s our guide to some of the biggest and best displays in Cumbria – all of which you can get to by Stagecoach bus.
And with single fares capped at just £2 there’s even more reason to leave the car at home this Bonfire Night. To help plan your journey this half term, please visit Stagecoach’s journey planner.
Friday 3rd November
Hayes Garden World, Ambleside – Fireworks & Shopping
Bus route: 505*, 555 and 599* (*Please check the timetable before travelling as service may terminate before the event finish time)
Bus stop: Hayes Garden WorldFireworks, food and shopping – all in one place.
Hayes Garden World has a firework display, tasty food and the chance to do some late night shopping (with 10% off Christmas items on the night) on Friday 3rd November between 6pm and 9pm.
Admission is by Ticket Only and booking is essential. Tickets include the firework display and food. Book online on the Hayes Garden World website or call 015394 33434.
Coniston Sports & Social Centre – Bonfire and Firework Night
Bus route: 505
Bus stop: The Crown Inn
This year’s annual bonfire night celebrations are on Friday 3rd November. Entry is by donation and doors open at 4pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6pm followed by fireworks from 7pm. There’s also live music from Bowney Beak & Powney at 8pm as well as a BBQ and bar (please note this is cash only).
Saturday 4th November 2023
Carlisle Fireshow – Bitts Park
Bus route: Multiple services to Carlisle
Bus stop: West Tower Street
This year celebrating Cumberland, Carlisle’s spectacular Fireshow will be held in Bitts Park on Saturday 4 November, starting at 6.30pm. Entry is free to the ‘Fireshow Village’ where there will be food and family entertainment between 5pm and 8.30pm, as well as the central bonfire and more than 2,000 fireworks. Prefer to watch from a distance? You can view the 34th Fireshow from The Lookout at Tullie House. Tickets available here.
Parkfoot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, Penrith – Bonfire and Firework Display
Bus route: 508
Bus stop: Pooley Bridge, outside the Crown Inn
TJ’s Bar and Restaurant are hosting a Bonfire and Firework Display on Saturday 4th November 2023. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks are from 7:30pm. There will also be live music from local band The Hoo at 8pm. Book a table for the evening on the Parkfoot website.
Windemere, RUFC – Fireworks Extravaganza
Bus route: 6*, 599* & 755* (*Please check the timetable before travelling as service may terminate before the event finish time)
Bus stop: Royalty Cinema, Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fireworks Extravaganza is being held at Windermere RUFC on Saturday 4th November. Entry is by ticket only and doors open at 5.30pm, with proceeds going to support Macmillan Nurses and Windermere Rugby Club development.
There are 3 live bands, fire eaters, BBQ and bar as well as the main firework display at 7pm. For more information and to book tickets visit the Try Booking website.
Sunday 5th November 2023
Fibrus Community Stadium, Workington – Light up the Night Fireworks Display
Bus route: 30 and 300
Bus stop: Tesco and Viaduct Hotel
Workington Town Council are hosting the Light up the Night fireworks display on Sunday 5th November from 4pm in the newly named Fibrus Community Stadium, home of Workington Town Rugby League Club. As well as the main firework show at 6pm, there’s a funfair, fire eating and juggling at 5pm courtesy of Matrix Circus plus food and drinks stalls throughout the evening. Tickets are £1.25 and are available to book on the Carnegie Theatre website.
Please note: There is NO car parking available at the Fibrus Community Stadium except for disabled ticket holders.
Cockermouth – Fireworks Display
Bus route: X4, X5
Bus stop: Main Street & Aldi
The popular family firework display returns this year on Sunday 5th November between 5pm and 7pm in the Memorial Gardens. Fireworks are at 6pm.
