Edinburgh Fireworks 2017: Where to Watch Them
It's that time again, so look up and prepare your best 'surprise' and 'awe' expressions – here’s The Skinny’s guide to the best places to see fireworks in Edinburgh this Bonfire Night
George Heriot's Playing Fields
For a chance to help out a charity while watching your explosions, head to Scottish Love in Action’s annual Fireworks Extravaganzas at George Watson’s Rugby Ground. And we say extravaganzas, because they're so popular that there are three of them again this year. Their first display, aka the 'Green Show' takes place on 3 Nov at George Heriot’s Playing Fields, Inverleith Row. There'll be pipe bands, dancers, food and drink and fire-eating fun with Delighters Fire Circus Theatre. Fire in the air and on the ground – sounds good to us. Gates 6.30pm, show 7.00pm; £7.50, tickets available at sla-india.org.
George Watson's Rugby Ground
Conveniently, SLA's second and third shows (aka the Blue and Red shows) both take place on actual Bonfire Night (remember remember, and all that) at Myreside. The early show is sold out, but there are tickets for the show that kicks off at 7pm (6.30pm doors). Expect much the same as the previous show, but with the bonus of it being on the 'right' day. Although, to be honest, there's no wrong day to watch big harmless explosions. 5 Nov, 7pm, £7.50.
Meadowbank Stadium
On Bonfire Night itself, the official Edinburgh fireworks will launch, as ever, from Meadowbank Stadium in a display starting at 7.30pm (gates at 6pm, live entertainment from 6.30pm) on Sun 5 Nov. Those who've been regular attendees to the display during its three-decade lifetime might be slightly saddened to hear this event will be Meadowbank's final firework show before they close for refurbishment at the end of 2017. But it's not all bad news – this year's theme is sci-fi! So, that's something!
Out of town
If you're down in Portobello or Leith, head down the coast to catch a glimpse of the fireworks from Musselburgh – the display kicks off at 7pm on Sun 5 Nov at Fisherrow Links, is free, and might even be visible from Porty provided there aren't any particularly big trees in the way. If you love the beach and/or nice coffee, head down to North Berwick during the day on Sun 5 Nov then hang around for the East Lothian Yacht Club's free display in the harbour from 7.30pm. Get the train down; fill self with sea air, coffee and chips; watch explosions; train back. That's a Sunday and a half, folks.
Free fireworks!
And if you’re not the organised type, you could do worse than head for higher ground. Hike up to Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat or Bruntsfield Links on Bonfire Night and have a look around; chances are you'll be able to see some fireworks action of varying sizes and at varying proximity. Hot tip: there's sort of an unwritten rule that you sit (rather than stand) atop Calton Hill to watch the fireworks, so take a rug and get snuggly. Ruggly, if you will.
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