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Most children associate 5th November with fireworks but do they know why we celebrate this event?

Who was Guy Fawkes?

We all probably know that he was planning to blow up parliament but there is a bit more to the story than just that. For a quick lesson on what it was all about and why we celebrate this event every year, visit BBC Bitesize and read the story. There is also a short animated clip.

Fireworks

There are lots of organised firework displays happening again this year. Scroll down for a list of events!  We know that many families may take this opportunity to purchase fireworks to use at home. Please do take time to plan this carefully and to be sure you know how to do this safely. It's not always as easy as it looks! You can get advice here from the London Fire Brigade website. 

Sparklers are always popular at this time of year. Did you know that a sparkler can get five times as hot as cooking oil? I have to admit they still make me nervous now but here are some tips to help keep everyone safe.

• Make sure you have a bucket of water to hand and drop the used sparkler into it to put them out. The remain hot even after they have gone out.
• Stick the end of the sparkler into a carrot to give the holder something easier to grip.
• Light one at a time and hold sparklers at arms length all the time.
• Never give sparklers to under 5s.

For a completely safe option, why not have some fun in the garden or indoors with the lights off using with glow sticks - all kids love them and they are very versatile! Make shapes, stick them to clothing to create a body outline or make patterns with them.

Firework Displays

Havering Free Fireworks - Harrow Lodge Park Hornchurch RM11 1JU
TBC

Fireworks at Marshall's Park Academy - Romford RM1 4EH
Friday 7th November 2025 - Gates open 6pm, Display 7:30pm

Romford House Care Home Bonfire & Fireworks Display - Harold Hill RM3 8HW
Wednesday 5th November 2025 - 6:30pm

1st Upminster Scouts Bonfire & Fireworks - Upminster RM14 2LT
Friday 7th November 2025 - Gates open &pm, Fire starts 7:30pm

Harold Wood Primary PTA Fireworks Event - Harold Wood  RM3 0TH
Friday 7th November 2025 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Harrow Lodge Primary PTA Fireworks Display - Hornchurch RM12 4BP
TBC

Upminster Infant & Junior School Fireworks Night - Upminster RM14 3BS
TBC

Suttons Primary Fireworks Display - Hornchurch RM12 6RP
Friday 7th November 2025 - Gates Open 5:30pm, Display 6.45pm

Coopers' Company & Coborn School Fireworks Display - Upminster RM14 3HS
Saturday 8th November 2025 Gates open at 5pm, display at 6:30pm

Barleylands Family Fireworks - Barleylands CM11 2UD
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd, Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2025 Gates open 4:30pm

Abridge Fireworks & Bonfire Night - Abridge Village Hall RM4 1UH
Sunday 2nd November. Gates open at 4pm; display Starts 7:30pm
Tickets can be purchased from Budgens in Abridge

Chelmsford Round Table Fireworks - Admirals Park, Chelmsford CM1 2PD
Saturday 8th November 2025 5pm - 10pm

Magical Evening of Fireworks - Marsh Farm CM3 5WP
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November 2025

FREE Seafront Fireworks - Southend SS1 2ER
Every Saturday until 15th November 2025 at 8pm prompt

Clacton Pier - Clacton CO15 1QX
Saturday 8th November 2025
FREE display

North Weald Fireworks - North Weald Airfield 
TBC

Crowlands Golf Centre Fireworks Display - Dagenham RM8 1JX
Saturday 8th November 2025 - Buy tickets from the club

Drapers Maylands Fireworks - RM3 9XR
TBC

If you know of any other displays within an hour of Romford, let us know and we can add them to the list.