Success Story:

Leicester's Abbey Park Bonfire & Fireworks Event

How Leicester City Council creates a cracking Bonfire Night event

We spoke to Kellie Bugby, Festivals & Events Senior Officer at Leicester City Council about their Bonfire Night events and got an insight into the planning that goes into their events, how music is implemented, and what people may need to know when organising an event of their own.

Music adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display, but it plays a supporting role to the main attraction, the fireworks and bonfire themselves.”

Kellie Bugby, Festivals & Events Senior Officer

What can people expect from a council-organised Bonfire Night event?

Tell us about Leicester City Council’s Bonfire Night event. How has it grown over the years?

The Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display in Leicester first began in 1982. It was introduced as a safe, organised alternative to informal or unsafe bonfires and fireworks around the city.

Run by Leicester City Council, the event quickly became the city’s official Bonfire Night celebration, attracting thousands of attendees each year with its large bonfire, main firework show, children’s firework display, live entertainment, and funfair. The structure of the event has stayed the same.

For the 2025 Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display, it was an evening full of exciting activities and a spectacular fireworks show. Highlights include:

  • A big, professionally choreographed fireworks display lighting up the sky.
  • Live music from local performers on the stage to get everyone in the festive mood.
  • A funfair with rides and games suitable for all ages.
  • Delicious food and drink stalls offering a variety of options, including family-friendly choices.
  • Special discounts for families and free entry for children under 5.
  • A safe, welcoming, and well-organised environment with plenty of facilities to make the evening comfortable and enjoyable.

The Halloween theme added an extra festive touch to the event atmosphere. It was a memorable night out for families and friends and brought the community together to celebrate in style!

Music’s impact

The Leicester Council events often has live music before the fireworks, as well as music during the fireworks display. How important is music to the event and for creating a more memorable and enjoyable experience?

Music adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display, but it plays a supporting role to the main attraction, the fireworks and bonfire themselves. While the live music and performances helps to build excitement and keep the crowd entertained, and the soundtrack during the fireworks can enhance the experience, it’s ultimately the visual spectacle that people come to see.

The scale, colour, and choreography of the fireworks are the main focus, and music simply helps to complement that. It can add to the mood and help with pacing.

We offer the opportunity for local performers to use the stage as a platform to showcase their talent, entertain the crowd, and be part of one of Leicester’s most popular public events. It’s a great chance for musicians, dancers, and community groups to gain exposure, perform in front of a large audience, and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the fireworks display.

What kind of music do you use? Does the music reflect the theme/ does it get updated each year to include new releases? Is the live music performed by local artists?

The music used at the Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display is carefully selected to complement the atmosphere of the event.”

Kellie Bugby, Festivals & Events Senior Officer

The fireworks soundtrack often includes a mix of popular hits, classic tracks, and dramatic pieces, chosen to match the pace and mood of the display. While not always based on a specific theme, the music is updated each year to keep the show fresh and engaging.

The live music performed on stage before the fireworks is delivered by local artists and community performers, offering a variety of styles from pop and rock to cultural and family-friendly acts. This supports Leicester’s local talent and helps create a lively build-up to the main display.

Tips and tricks for organising bonfire night events

Other than music, what else do you think makes a successful fireworks event? Do you specifically use local vendors/events providers?

2 well-timed and impressive firework displays and traditional bonfire, the visual spectacle is the main attraction, so the quality, variety, and pacing of the fireworks are crucial.

A safe and well-organised environment, clear signage, crowd management, first aid provision, and stewarding all help ensure people feel secure and can enjoy the event comfortably.

Family-friendly activities, funfair rides, food stalls, and entertainment for children help make the event appealing to a wide audience.

Good facilities and access, things like toilets, accessible viewing areas, and easy access via public transport or walking routes contribute to the overall experience.

We also aim to support the local economy by using local vendors and event providers wherever possible. This includes food and drink stalls, performers, and production teams. It helps showcase local talent and businesses, while keeping the event rooted in the Leicester community.

What licences do businesses and organisations need in order to host a fireworks event, including when using music? Are there any other regulations they need to be aware of?

If you’re planning a fireworks event, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely:

  • Fireworks & Safety: Fireworks should always be handled by trained professionals. You’ll also need to do a risk assessment, have public liability insurance, and let the local fire service and council know about your plans.
  • If you’re playing music, whether live or recorded, you’ll likely need music licences (PRS and PPL). Some venues already have these, so it’s worth checking first.
  • Licences for the Event: If you’re selling alcohol, playing amplified music, or serving food late into the evening, you might need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or a Premises Licence, depending on the size and setup of your event.
  • Other Things to Think About: Keep noise levels in mind, make sure your event is accessible, and have a plan for things like waste and clean-up. For bigger public events, it’s a good idea to contact the council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for guidance.

And finally, using local performers, caterers, and suppliers is a great way to support your community and add a personal touch to your event!

Photograph of a nighttime outdoor food market featuring several illuminated vendor stalls with signs, including "French Oven" and "Pizzas." Crowds of people are gathered in front of stalls, with one building decorated with string lights and a triangular roof adorned with holiday lights.

How do you advertise the event, and when does this start? How important is it for you to get the right messaging out and draw people to your event as opposed to others? How many people were you expecting this year?

We promote the Abbey Park Bonfire and Fireworks Display through a mix of online and offline channels, including the Leicester City Council website, social media, local press, printed posters, and digital screens around the city. Promotion typically starts around 8 weeks before the event, with a stronger push in the final two weeks.

Getting the right message out is important, we want people to know it’s a safe, family-friendly, and well-organised event with a brilliant atmosphere.”

Kellie Bugby, Festivals & Events Senior Officer

With other displays and private events happening around the same time, it’s key that ours stands out as the official city celebration.

This year, we expected around 15,000 attendees. We have capacity for more but this is figure we are happy with.

You mentioned that Leicester City Council’s firework event aims to suit all, with a big emphasis on family-friendly fun. How is this achieved? Are there any measures you take to ensure the event is enjoyable for everyone?

Leicester Council’s firework event is designed to be welcoming and fun for all ages, with a strong focus on creating a family-friendly atmosphere. We achieve this by offering a variety of activities alongside the fireworks, like a children’s funfair, food stalls with kid-friendly options, and entertainment suitable for all ages.

We also offer free wristbands to looked-after children and their families through our local authority services, ensuring these children can enjoy the event at no cost. Plus, children under 5 get in free, making it easier for families with young kids to attend.

In the weeks leading up to the event, we provide great discounts for families to help make the evening even more accessible and affordable. It’s all part of our commitment to making sure everyone has the chance to join in the fun.

We also make sure the event is safe and comfortable for families by providing clear signage, well-managed crowd control, plenty of seating areas, and accessible facilities. Our stewards and staff are trained to assist anyone who needs extra support, making sure everyone feels included and can enjoy the evening.

By keeping the atmosphere relaxed, safe, and full of activities, we make sure it’s an event that families, and everyone, can really enjoy together.

*Photographs supplied by Leicester City Council*

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