The city is preparing for one of its largest and most popular free events, with an estimated 20,000 spectators expected to gather on The Hoe. The evening promises a night-time spectacular, with attendees able to warm up by an enormous bonfire on what is anticipated to be a chilly evening.
This year, Sonic Fireworks, a Devon-based company, is part-sponsoring the event and will launch a 15-minute display of rockets, shells, and bursts of colour and sparkle from the Citadel wall. Old pallets of wood, supplied and delivered by the Plymouth branch of A&M Pallets, have been gathered to construct the bonfire.
Fairground rides and stalls will open from 4pm. The bonfire is scheduled to be lit at 7pm, followed by the main fireworks display commencing at 7:30pm, bringing the night's festivities to a close.
“"It’s a fabulous, free, fun event for family and friends on our incredible waterfront. But it’s more than that. Putting on a great show here reduces the number of private bonfires and fireworks – that’s better for our emergency services, better for hedgehogs who have been known to hide in bonfires and better for cats and dogs as there’s less noise across the city night skies."
Limited parking will be available in the vicinity of The Hoe and The Barbican. Attendees are advised to utilise city centre car parks, such as Western Approach or Theatre Royal. The Civic Centre car park is now closed.
Advance travel planning is recommended due to anticipated road closures around the event area. Dedicated disabled parking will be provided on The Hoe for blue badge holders. Public transport services, including Great Western Railway, Plymouth Citybus, and Park & Ride, will operate on their normal schedules.
Road closures will be in effect from 6pm to 9pm on Hoe Road (Citadel to Pier Street), Madeira Road (Elphinstone to Hoe Road), Citadel Road (Hoe Approach to Lockyer Street), and the Armada Way loop (Crowne Plaza). Windsor Place will also be closed during this time. From 7am to 9pm, Osbourne Place to The Esplanade will be closed. Additionally, Notte Street (The Crescent to Hoe Approach), The Crescent (Millbay Road to Notte Street), and Princess Street (Lockyer Street to Princess Ope including access from Armada Way) will be closed from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
