Edinburgh Fawkes Festival 2024: Scotland's Biggest Bonfire Night Event

Looking for the ultimate Bonfire Night experience in Edinburgh? The Fawkes Festival at the Royal Highland Centre on November 3rd is where it’s at. With over 15,000 people attending, it’s Scotland’s largest firework festival, complete with live music, a roaring bonfire, dazzling pyrotechnics, and more entertainment than you can shake a sparkler at.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event:

What to Expect at Edinburgh's Fawkes Festival 2024

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you're there for the jaw-dropping fireworks, the live music, or the sizzling street food, there's something for everyone at this bonfire extravaganza.

• Fireworks Display: The main attraction of the evening is, of course, the fireworks and lasers show set to music. Expect a spectacular display that lights up the sky in time with booming tunes, creating a stunning sensory experience.
• Live Entertainment: If you love a good party, you’re in for a treat. Scottish favourites The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a bagpipe band known for their fiery, foot-stomping performances, will be headlining. Joining them are Spark!, an LED-lit street theatre and drumming troupe, bringing a mysterious and magical atmosphere.
• Bonfire: No Bonfire Night is complete without a bonfire, and this year’s will be lit at 5:30 pm to keep you warm and toasty as the evening unfolds.
• Fairground Rides and Food Stalls: It’s not all about the fireworks. Get your adrenaline pumping on one of the many fairground rides or indulge in some delicious street food and drinks from the on-site vendors. From burgers to mulled wine, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family satisfied.

When and Where

• Date: Sunday, 3rd November 2024
• Venue: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh West
• Address: Ingliston, Edinburgh EH28 8NB

The event kicks off at 4:00 pm and runs through until 8:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the attractions before the fireworks begin.

Schedule of Events

• 4:00 pm – Gates open
• 4:15 pm – DJ, Fairground Rides and Food & Drink Open
• 4:45 pm – Stage Entertainment: SPARK!
• 5:00 pm – DJ Set
• 5:15 pm – SPARK! (second performance)
• 5:30 pm – Bonfire Lighting
• 6:00 pm – Red Hot Chilli Pipers perform
• 6:30 pm – Fireworks & Lasers Display
• 6:50 pm – Final SPARK! performance
• 8:00 pm – Gates close

Tickets and Pricing

• Adult Tickets (16+): £17.00 + booking fee
• Child Tickets (2-15): £9.50 + booking fee
• Under 2s: Free
• Car Pass: £7.69 (pre-booking essential)

Remember, parking spaces are limited, and you must pre-book your car pass. Without one, your tickets may be void. So, plan ahead if you're driving.

Getting There: Public Transport and Parking

For those not driving, fear not! There will be a dedicated Fawkes Festival Lothian Bus (Service 98), running between Edinburgh City Centre and the Royal Highland Centre. It’s a hassle-free way to get to and from the event, with a convenient drop-off point at the venue.

You can also opt for a taxi or private drop-off as there’s a dedicated area for that too.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Event

There’s no better way to celebrate Bonfire Night in Edinburgh than at the Fawkes Festival. With a huge crowd, stunning pyrotechnics, live music, and street theatre, this event is more than just a fireworks display—it’s a full-on festival experience. Whether you’re bringing the family, going with mates, or enjoying a romantic evening under the fireworks, the Fawkes Festival delivers something unforgettable.

Secure Your Tickets Early

Important tip: Premium tickets are already sold out, and the festival has sold out for the last two years. If you’re planning to go, don’t leave it too late to grab your tickets!

Tips for a Great Night Out

November in Edinburgh isn’t exactly known for balmy temperatures, so you’ll want to dress warmly. Layers are key—think scarves, hats, gloves—the works. You never know when a light drizzle might turn up either, so having a waterproof on hand is never a bad idea. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, packing ear defenders could save them from the shock of the loud fireworks or those unmistakable bagpipes from The Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Now, let’s talk money. Sure, many vendors will likely take cards, but a bit of cash in your pocket might speed things up, especially at smaller stalls. With 15,000 people all queuing for food and drinks, you'll be grateful for anything that shaves a few minutes off the wait.

Family-Friendly Fun

Bringing the whole clan along? The fairground rides are bound to be a hit with the kids, but it’s good to know there’ll be plenty of food options and entertainment for all ages. If your little ones are sensitive to loud noises, packing those aforementioned ear defenders will come in handy. And while they’ll no doubt be captivated by the fireworks and the LED drummers of Spark, make sure to keep a close eye on them in the crowd—it’s easy to get separated when there are so many people around.

Travel and Parking

If you’re driving, pre-booking your car pass is essential. Trust me, showing up without one might mean you’re turned away, and that’s not how you want your evening to go. Parking at big events like this can be a bit of a mission, so arriving early is always a good shout. But if you're thinking of using public transport, you're in luck—there’s a dedicated Fawkes Festival Lothian Bus (Service 98) running to and from the city centre. It’s a stress-free way to get there without worrying about the hassle of parking.

A Few Final Thoughts

It’s always worth arriving a little early to beat the rush, grab a bite to eat, and soak up the atmosphere before the main events kick off. With live music, fairground rides, and all that glorious food and drink, there's no shortage of things to do while you wait for the fireworks.

As with any big event, safety is important. Stick to the designated areas, keep a safe distance from the bonfire and fireworks, and—just a friendly reminder—let’s keep litter to a minimum. It's everyone's job to keep the venue looking as stunning as when you arrived. 

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