Thousands expected to flock to ‘even bigger and better’ fireworks night extravaganza
It got off to a cracking start with people flocking to buy tickets in their thousands last year. Bonfire Spectacular 2025 promises to be a sparkler of a follow-up at the Whitehall Estate in Winestead, Holderness.
Organiser Aaron Pickering said he was “amazed” by the response to the first Bonfire Spectacular held last November. Thinking it may attract a few hundred people, the 2024 event in the grounds of the splendid Whitehall grade-two listed house ended up topping 3,000 ticket sales.
“When it got nearer the time, over that two weeks, we had 6,000 views on the website with people trying to get tickets,” said Aaron, who has developed, and is continuing to build, a luxury wedding and events venue on Whitehall’s acres of land. As last year, the Bonfire Spectacular is due to feature more than a large bonfire and a professional fireworks display.
“We’ve got fire breathers and stilt walkers again and a fairground with bigger rides this year. We will have a ‘Labubu disco’, with characters going around for pictures with the kids and extra entertainment by live DJs.
“It’s going to be a bigger and better show, with that Greatest Showman-type feel. There will be lots of local food and drink vendors, a licensed bar and a variety of stalls.”
Aaron said it was intended to be the biggest event of its kind in the county, with the space to create a full-on, family-friendly event. It will take place on Saturday, November 8, from 4pm to 8pm.
“Depending on demand we will see whether we need to increase the size of the parking.” Whitehall has acquired 35 acres of neighbouring land that will enable the site to “scale up” in the future, said Aaron.
“I don’t think there are many venues in this area that can offer big festivals. I’d like to see us doing four big events each year, including the Bonfire Spectacular and a big summer festival, with headline DJs and lots of local DJs and artists involved.
“I’d also like to bring a Christmas wonderland to East Yorkshire, with an ice rink, reindeer and Santa’s grotto. I don’t want to go in half-hearted with that so I’m looking at 2026 for it.
“Renovations of some barns are happening which will make the Whitehall Estate more accessible, more of the time. I’d like people to be able to visit, whatever their age, for a wedding, or a stay at a lodge, or for an event, 12 months of the year.”
Aaron took over the running of the Whitehall Estate with his partner after visiting a car boot sale there and “falling in love” with the place. Having developed a wedding and events business there, holiday lodges and a tearoom have followed.
The success of Whitehall Tearoom Winestead has led to the offshoot, Whitehall Tearoom Hedon, which is due to open in the spring of 2026. For more information, visit whitehallestate.uk or email info@whitehallestate.uk