Eyes on the skies as fireworks go off across the Lothians

FIREWORK fans are set to be spoilt for choice with a blaze of brilliant events across the region.

All eyes will be on the skies for the next few evenings as a Bonfire Night bonanza gets under way.

Once again, Edinburgh’s official and biggest display will be held at Meadowbank Stadium, with a limited number of tickets still available.

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This years show, which takes place on Monday night, has a Disney theme, and the pyrotechnics are timed in unison with music from several of its most famous films.

It will take a whole day to set up the 18,000 fireworks to be used in the display, which will climb to 200ft above the stadium roof. There will also be a customised Guy Fawkes on top of a gas-fired bonfire.

The show will last for roughly 25 minutes, with pre-show entertainment beginning at 6.30pm, an hour before the main event.

The fireworks themselves will be set off by four-year-olds Maya McRobbie and Isabel Wallis, who both have cerebral palsy. Maya’s family are currently raising £60,000 to send her for an operation which could see her able to walk unaided. Isabel, who underwent the surgery last month after Ayrshire Euromillions lottery winners Chris and Colin Weir stepped in with funding, has already seen improvement in her mobility.

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Edinburgh Leisure director of 0perations Graeme Gardiner said: “We are delighted to invite Maya and Isabel to set off the fireworks display this year at Meadowbank and wish them the very best with their fundraising appeal. As always, Edinburgh Leisure is looking forward to putting on a spectacular fireworks show which promises to be bigger and 
better than ever before.”

But if Monday night madness doesn’t fit into your schedule, or you’re looking for something a bit lower key, there are other events elsehwere, including Musselburgh, Linlithgow and North Berwick.

The Hopetoun House display in South Queensferry has been put together by 21cc, the same company organising the Meadowbank display, although they promise both shows will be unique. About 5000 people are expected to attend the 20- minute show to see the 10,000 fireworks, with the finale expected to hit heights of 1000ft. Advance booking through Ticketmaster is strongly advised.

Holyrood Park will again be closed to traffic on Monday between 6pm and midnight. The closure of the park, which has been implemented over the past few years, has proved a successful deterrent to unofficial bonfires, leaving the emergency services free to concentrate on other areas. The police, fire brigade and Historic Scotland officials will be patrolling to ensure any wildfires are contained.

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Martin Gray, Historic Scotland visitor services manager for Holyrood Park, said: “Bonfire Night is an opportunity for people to have fun, but it is important that is done safely. With an area such as the park, which covers many hundreds of acres, it is very easy for fireworks, if not properly supervised, to cause a lot of damage.”

SATURDAY

• Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, 6.30pm. Gates open from 4pm. Adult £10, child £6, car parking free.

• Linlithgow Rugby Club, 7pm. Family ticket £10, on sale at local retail outlets.

Livingston Cricket Club, 7.30pm.

• Bathgate Community Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for children under 16 years.

SUNDAY

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• George Watson’s Rugby Ground, 4.15pm and 7.15pm. Tickets £7.50, family ticket £25.

MONDAY

• Musselburgh Fisherrow Links, 7pm, free.

• Meadowbank Sports Centre, 7.30pm, £6. Call 0844 8700 887.

• North Berwick, East Lothian Yacht Club, 7.30pm. Admission by donation.

• Alison Park, Kirkliston, 7.30pm. Admission by donation.