Bonfire Night is on the approach - and here in North Devon, there’s no shortage of places to go to catch sight of spectacular firework displays.

It’s not just the 5th of November you’ll need to remember either. Some of the biggest and best displays will be taking place the weekend before, or even earlier, but we’re giving you plenty of notice to pencil some dates in the diary and finalise those all-important plans.

Spooks & Sparks at Ilfracombe, 25th October

Credit: Ilfracombe Rugby Club

Now, this one takes place well in advance, and with a spooky Halloween theme packs the best of two holidays into one. It’ll take place at Ilfracombe Rugby Club, with all proceeds going towards them.

Featuring not only a cracking bonfire and firework display, but a BBQ, bar, live music and even a haunted house, Spooks & Sparks has something for everyone and is totally family friendly. Come suited up in your best costume for a chance to win their fancy dress competition.

Woolacombe Bonfire & Firework Night, 1st November

Credit: Woolacombe TIC

Woolacombe’s firework display is never one to be missed, and it’ll be returning with a bang (no pun intended) on the 1st of November, making it the first of the month’s celebrations in North Devon.

Taking place at The Meadow, there will be a fully stocked bar, as well as a delicious BBQ and hog roast to warm the cockles.

Torrington Cavaliers Bonfire & Fireworks, 2nd November

Photo Credit: Torrington Cavaliers 

 

The Torrington Cavaliers are famous throughout North Devon for the amazing events they hold for their community, and as usual, they’re delivering this year. 


Torrington’s bonfire and fireworks display will kick off at 7pm at Torrington Rugby Club, and it’s sure not to disappoint. Gates open at 6pm, so get there early to take advantage of the bar and fill up with some tasty food. 

PLUS, work is still in progress for their 2020 bonfire - they’re building an incredible replica of the Mayflower to commemorate its 400th anniversary, which will be burned on August 29th next year.

Braunton Fireworks, 2nd November 

photo Credit: Braunton Fireworks 

It’s going to be a busy Saturday night, because another showstopping firework display will also be taking place at Braunton Cricket Club!

In aid of three local schools, the festivities will kick off at 4.30, with live music, tasty eats and children’s entertainment to while away the time before the fireworks at around 7.30. Braunton is well known for providing a stunning display, so don’t miss it.

Barnstaple Round Table Fireworks Display, 3rd November 

Photo Credit: Sophie Dainty and Barnstaple & District Round Table

Barnstaple & District Round Table are back this year, with another great evening planned at Barnstaple Rugby Club. 

Gates will open from 5.30, with the main event starting around 7. Alongside the fireworks, you can expect a bar and delicious hot food. Ticket prices start at £4 for adults when booked online, with all proceeds going back into the local community through clubs, groups and charities.

Appledore Pirates Bonfire Night, 3rd November

Photo Credit: Peter Wormington - Moonshine Photographer

The Appledore Pirates are always doing fantastic things for the village of Appledore, and their firework displays are pretty much legendary around North Devon.

Held on Irsha Street, between The Beaver Inn and The Royal George, this event is free - however, crew members will be around with donation buckets. This event is entirely funded through donations, so if you want to see another amazing display in 2020, remember to pop in what you can. 

The Devil's Stone Festival in Shebbear, 5th November

Photo Credit: ben_edge_art on Instagram

Now, this event is a little bit different. While the rest of the country are commemorating Guy Fawkes’ Night, the village of Shebbear are taking part in a slightly different annual tradition - that actually predates Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes himself.

The Devil’s Stone Festival takes place every year on the 5th November, and is based on a local legend, which claims that a certain stone must be turned annually to ward off the devil. No one knows how this story came about - no one even knows how the stone originally got there - but it’s an event that everyone should attend at least once, and highlights some of North Devon’s amazing culture and heritage.

Bonfire Night at The Big Sheep, 5th November

Photo Credit: The Big Sheep

One of the best places to go on Bonfire Night itself is The Big Sheep in Bideford, particularly for the 2 key Bs and Fs; bonfire and burgers, fireworks and fun. 

With a spectacular display that illuminates the skies all over the area, arrive in plenty of time to secure the best possible spot for viewing the fireworks - and be kept warm by the impressive bonfire they create.

If you’ve got little ones who can’t stay up for the main event - as the display kicks off at 7.45 - The Big Sheep have got you. They host an earlier display at 6pm, especially for toddlers, so that they can get in on the excitement!

And there you have it - we’re pretty much spoiled for choice this year! It’s important to remember that many of these events are ticketed, with limited availability, so to ensure you’re not disappointed on the night please ensure you secure your place well in advance. We’ve linked to the relevant pages where you should be able to easily find out how to obtain your tickets.

Now, the only question left is which events have caught your eye. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and let us know which ones we’ll be seeing you at this year, you know we love hearing from you!