There are fewer public fireworks displays than there used to be, perhaps because if you're filling the sky with coloured sparks it's quite hard to keep the sight exclusive to your paying audience. Port Meadow is a particularly good spot to see fireworks on a clear Guy Fawkes Night, as is Shotover (Map). Most colleges and some schools provide their own shows for their members; see below for some that are open to the general public. If you know of any others, do let us know at [email protected] or on 01865 241133.

South Park (see box on the left) will be hosting the annual Round Table Fireworks on Saturday 4th November, sponsored this year by The Big Bang. 6.15pm. Family tickets £15, singles £6 on the gate or £12 / £5 in advance from The Big Bang, 124 Walton St; Shepherd & Woodward, High Street & Summertown; Walters on Turl St; Ecco of New Inn Hall St and from Johnson’s buildbase of Cowley.

St Michaels School, Marston Rd. Fireworks & bonfire, toffee apples, baked potatoes & Breton crepes. From 5.30pm, Sunday 5th November.

The Chester Arms, 19 Chester Street, 243203, presents a Charity Motorbike Ride Through Fire on Saturday 4th November, 9pm. Fireworks and raffles will be involved. Free entry.

The Grove Rugby Club, on Friday 3rd November, will have a bonfire, bar, barbecue and fireworks at the Grove Recreation Ground, near Wantage. 7 for 7.30pm. Family £7 single £4, more info from 01235 762750.

Standlake Village Hall presents Family Fireworks, Saturday 4th November, 6.00pm.

The Abingdon Fireworks Display will be held at Abbey Meadows, next to the open air swimming pool (has previously been at Dalton Barracks, but relocated this year). Saturday 4th November. There will be food stalls and stalls selling glow in the dark necklaces, etc. Gates open 5pm, show 7pm. £5 single, £20 family (2 +3) on the gate; £4/£16 in advance, from Dawsons Music (High Street Abingdon), The Gift Centre (Abingdon Precinct), Abingdon Tourist Information (Old Abbey House), 01235 529929 and www.lightthenight.co.uk.

Wheatley Primary School, Littleworth Road, Wheatley, will hold an Extravaganza boasting rides, a raffle, toffee apples, baked potatoes and a pig roast. Sunday 5th November, 5.30pm, fireworks at 7pm. Tickets are available from the school (tel: 01865 872366), £10 per ticket to include 2 adults and up to 3 children. Available on the day at £12.

The Fishes in North Hinksey village are having a big bonfire with sparklers (but sadly no fireworks) on Sunday 5th November. Children are encouraged to bring Guys to burn (!) and there will be a BBQ. Details: 01865 249796.

The Flowing Well in Sunningwell (01865 735846) is doing the same thing on Sunday 5th, with fireworks, from 6pm.