Fireworks, toffee apples, Catherine wheels and sparklers: Bonfire Night and 5 November is with us, and, with a range of traditional displays, there is plenty to suit all ages and tastes across the West of England and here is a list of some of what is happening for free near in the UK.

Bristol

Bradley Stoke: The Fireworks to Music event take place at the Jubilee Centre on Sunday. This free community celebration is held in support of the Mayor's Charities, including The Brightwell, Diabetes UK, and Mamas.

Victoria Park: There will be no fireworks at this event, but there will be a huge bonfire with food and drink stalls. This free community event takes place on 5 November to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.

Kingswood: Kingswood Rugby Club is hosting a silent fireworks night on 7 November. Expect animal-friendly, low noise fireworks, a BBQ, bar, and music from local DJs. All profits from the event will go towards redeveloping the club facilities.

Vantage points: If you cannot make it to an event you could opt for walking to a vantage point where you can watch fireworks from afar on Guy Fawkes Night. These locations can sometimes get busy though so be sure to arrive early enough to grab a spot and bring a blanket.

  • Brandon Hill: A popular spot with good views of the city skyline.
  • Clifton Downs: Offers open space with views across the city.
  • Dundry Hill: Provides a higher vantage point for a wider view.
  • Bedminster Down: Another elevated location for watching displays.
  • Troopers Hill: A great spot in a beautiful setting.
  • Stoke Park: Various hills around here will give you great views across the city, especially if you can get a spot close to the radio tower.

Gloucestershire

Stroud: Ringfield Farm, external, Stroud Community Agriculture Farm, external, and The Hog at Horsely, external are all hosting free and family friendly fireworks events.

Moreton-in-Marsh: The Fire Service College will host a low cost fireworks event on 6 November. Tickets are £2 per person and all proceeds go to The Fire Fighters Charity and the Cotswold Food Bank.

Gloucester and Forest of Dean: Ann Cam, in Dymock, external is hosting a free fireworks event on 7 November. Expect food stalls, activities and hot drinks.

Vantage points: If you can not make it to an event you could opt for walking to a vantage point where you can watch fireworks from afar on Guy Fawkes Night. These locations can sometimes get busy though so be sure to arrive early enough to grab a spot and bring a blanket.

  • Cleeve Hill: The highest point in Gloucestershire.
  • Leckhampton Hill: Great views over Cheltenham.
  • Barrow Wake: This viewpoint near Birdlip offers stunning views over the escarpment and Cheltenham and is a well-known spot for watching firework displays in the valley below.
  • Dover's Hill: This natural amphitheatre on the Cotswold spur offers great views over the Vale of Evesham.
  • Robinswood Hill Country Park: The park has free parking.
  • Crickley Hill Country Park: High above the city, Crickley Hill offers great views of Gloucester and the Severn Plain.
  • Churchdown Hill: Known for its circular walk, this hill provides a good vantage point for displays.

Somerset

Sandford: The Railway Inn is hosting a free bonfire and fireworks night on Sunday. The display will begin from 17:30 GMT.

Bridgwater: The Bridgwater Illuminated Carnival , externalprocession will take place on Saturday from 18:00 GMT.

Bath: Bath City Farm, external is hosting a free family friendly bonfire night on 8 November. There will be no fireworks at this event, but expect lots of fire performers, music and food stalls.

Burnham-On-Sea: A free fireworks display, external is taking place on the seafront on Sunday from 18:30.

Vantage points: If you can not make it to an event you could opt for walking to a vantage point where you can watch fireworks from afar on Guy Fawkes Night. These locations can sometimes get busy though so be sure to arrive early enough to grab a spot and bring a blanket.

  • Alexandra Park: Great views over Bath.
  • Uphill Hill Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers elevated views over Weston-super-Mare.
  • Castle Neroche: As one of the highest points in the Blackdown Hills.
  • Staple Hill (Blackdown Hills): Another high point in the Blackdown Hills with panoramic views

Wiltshire

Bradford-on-Avon: The free annual Bradford on Avon fireworks, external display will be held on Sunday at Poulton Park. The park will be open from 16:00 GMT and the display will start from 18:00 GMT.

Vantage points: If you can not make it to an event you could opt for walking to a vantage point where you can watch fireworks from afar on Guy Fawkes Night.

  • Cley Hill: This National Trust chalk hill offers panoramic views over West Wiltshire and Somerset.
  • Marlborough Downs: Quite a few numerous high points here with good views.
  • Westbury White Horse: The hills surrounding the Westbury White Horse are a great location for viewing fireworks from afar.
  • Salisbury Racecourse area: The hills and higher ground around Salisbury Racecourse are great spots to watch fireworks displays across the city.

Fire and rescue services have urged residents to prioritise safety and attend organised displays rather than hosting their own. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, for one, said it was often called to incidents this time of year involving out-of-control bonfires and fireworks.

The service's station commander, Gareth Boyd, said bonfires in gardens could present significant risks to people if they got out of control.  "We would always recommend attended an organised fireworks display rather than hosting your own," he said.

For those planning a display in their garden, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough fire service issued some safety tips – wherever you are:

  • Only buy fireworks with a CE mark, which shows the manufacturer has checked these products meet safety, health or environmental requirements
  • Light fireworks at arm's length using a taper and never go back to a lit firework
  • Never throw fireworks or put them in your pockets or clothing
  • Light sparklers one at a time wearing gloves, and place used sparklers in a bucket of water
  • Never give sparklers to children aged under five
  • Keep your pets indoors throughout the evening
  • Build your bonfire clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges
  • Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire, and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries
  • Do not leave bonfires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out. If it has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water
  • Always keep a bucket of water or a hose pipe nearby in case the fire spreads
  • Check the weather and avoid lighting bonfires in high winds

Mr Boyd added that the smoke from bonfires could also aggravate neighbours with respiratory problems. "Bonfires can also get out of control very quickly, causing damage to property and sometimes serious injury," he said.