Samuel Ryder Academy PTA Fireworks Display

Samuel Ryder Academy hosts its annual PTA fireworks display on Friday 6 November, and it's one of the bigger dates in the local Bonfire Night run. The school is an all-through academy on Drakes Drive, and it's used quite often for community and family events when the term isn't in full swing, so this is a familiar spot for a lot of people around St Albans.

The night is built around a professionally choreographed display, with live music from the school's music section running throughout. There are food stalls and a PTA drinks stall on site, and family activities like face painting and other games to keep things going before the main event. If you're bringing children, there's a bit of a bonus: every ticket for ages 4-11 enters the PTA's 'Start the Fireworks' prize draw, with one winner invited to press the ceremonial button and get the display underway.

It sits within the wider local Bonfire Night run, which opens with the Verulam School display on Friday 23 October and closes with the Wheatfields display on Sunday 8 November, so this is one of several options to choose from across the city. The academy's night is billed as 'the event of the year' and listed as an 'Editor's Choice' for families who want the fireworks before bedtime, which is a handy bit of context if you're trying to decide which one to pick.

Gates open at 4.30pm, the fireworks start at 6.30pm, and it all wraps up by 9.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for ages 12-18, and £6.50 for ages 4-11, with under-3s free and a £0.30 booking fee per paid ticket. There's no parking on site, so you'll need to make your own way to Drakes Drive, AL1 5AR.