Our round-up for Bonfire Night in the north and north-east

By Ellie House

November 4 2022, 11:45 am

Here is our guide to bonfire and firework displays across the region.

Remember remember, the fifth of November.

No need to plot this year however, we’ve got you covered with a range of fantastic events taking place across the region.

From torchlit processions to events which also raise money for charity, you’ll be spoilt for choice for Bonfire Night options across the north and north-east.

The Aberdeen fireworks always draw in a crowd. Picture from 2015 display. Picture: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

And by attending an organised event, you can sidestep the many safety aspects which come with building your own bonfire.

Bonfire night events in the north and north-east

Wrap up warm, plan ahead and don’t forget to double-check that your chosen event is indeed taking place in the face of any adverse weather conditions.

So if you don’t fancy burning your eyebrows with some sparklers in your back garden, read on.

Aberdeen fireworks night

fireworks display at Aberdeen beach on Bonfire Night — Aberdeen’s annual fireworks will take place on Beach Boulevard. Picture by Kenny Elrick

Set to return to the beach esplanade for the first time since 2019, this display is not to be missed.

It’s worth noting that it’s normally attended by roughly 10,000 people, with the main firework display taking place at 8pm.

If you get down there for 7pm, you can enjoy a charity fire walk and fire jugglers.

Park and Ride buses will be available from Bridge of Don, Kingswells and Souter Head Road at Aberdeen Altens Hotel.

Plan ahead, and don’t bring a large bag as searches will be taking place on arrival.

Kirkwall and Stromness Bonfire night

Carving a neep is not for the fainthearted. Picture: Shutterstock

Both events will kick off at 7pm, – at the Peedie Sea in Kirkwall and Coplands Dock in Stromness.

You can expect rockets, spiders and chrysanthemums to light up the sky in Kirkwall.

There is also the return of the annual pop competition, where children are tasked with transforming neeps into colourful characters.

Inverness Big Bang Bonfire

Inverness fireworks display illuminating the Inverness sky in 2021. Picture by Sandy McCook

Head down to Bught Park, where gates will open at 5pm, with the event expected to finish just before 7pm.

People are advised to park in the city centre and walk across, so do factor this into your evening.

Last year’s event was watched by thousands of people across the city, and was one of the few socially distanced events to take place in Scotland, which was put together by a local authority.

There’s of course no need for such measures this time round, enjoy!

Collieston Bonfire and Fireworks

Collieston beach — Collieston is a particularly lovely spot for bonfire night. Picture supplied by Shutterstock

You can’t get a more atmospheric location, with Bonfire Night taking place in the tight-knit community of Collieston near Newburgh.

It will take place in Cransdale car park around 6pm.

But do keep an eye on the weather and the community Facebook page, with the event set to be rescheduled to November 12 in the event of bad weather.

Edzell Bonfire and Fireworks Display

This particular event at Edzell has been taking place for more than 30 years. Picture: Shutterstock

Put together by Edzell Village Improvement Society alongside volunteers, this community-driven display has been taking place for more than 30 years.

You’re advised to get there early as parking is very restricted, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks commencing at 6.45pm.

You can also make a donation on the night as part of fundraising efforts towards the event.

Banchory Bonfire and Fireworks Display

Bonfire Night — Banchory’s display in George V Park always includes a roaring bonfire, like this one pictured in 2018. Picture by Kenny Elrick

Enjoy the show and do your bit for charity at the same time.

This event is run by Banchory and District Round Table, and all profits raised will go towards local charities in the area.

Entry is free, with donations requested on the night.

It will take place at King George V Park and gates open at 6pm.

Why not make a night of it, and enjoy dinner beforehand in one of Banchory’s many eateries?

Elgin Bonfire and Fireworks

Elgin's firework display on Bonfire Night — Elgin Rotary Club’s display lit up the sky over Cooper Park in 2019. Picture by JasperImage

Run by Elgin Rotary, this popular event is returning to Cooper Park.

It will commence around 5.30pm, and is sure to be a fantastic display.

Buchanhaven Fireworks Display

Peterhead Bonfire night was a roaring success last year. Picture by Scott Baxter

Commencing at 6pm, the SCIO fireworks display and bonfire in Peterhead will take place at Buchanhaven harbour.

Alongside the show itself, you can enjoy Bonfire Night classics such as hot dogs, plus a tombola and music by Scott Wood Waves.

Note that street closures are in place for public safety.

Stonehaven Bonfire and Fireworks

Stonehaven’s bonfire and fireworks in 2019. Picture by Chris Sumner

One of the most popular events in Aberdeenshire, this will be taking place at Mineralwell Park. Gates open at 6pm, with fireworks commencing at 7pm.

Don’t forget, entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children.

Plan ahead, because parking is extremely limited.

Dornoch Bonfire and Fireworks

Admission is free for this event, which is hosted by the community.

You don’t want to miss the piper-led torchlit procession, after gathering in the square at 6.30pm.

Both the bonfire and fireworks display will take place in Meadows Park at 7.30pm, and donations are very much welcomed in order to keep the event going for 2023.