Festival of Fireworks 2025 FAQ’s

When?

Saturday 1st November 2025

What Time?

Saturday 1st November 2025
Gates Open: 16:30
Fireworks Start: 19:30

Please note timings are subject to change. The most up to date information will always be provided on: https://durhamcricket.co.uk

What to Expect

Prepare for a night full of sparkle and fun at the Festival of Fireworks at Banks Homes Riverside! 🎆✨ Brought to you by Durham Cricket and Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, with support from Everyone Active, it’s more than just fireworks! Enjoy live music, family-friendly rides and top it all off with a breathtaking fireworks and laser show finale. 🎶🎡🎨 It’s going to be an unforgettable evening for everyone!

Can I access any indoor facilities?

Indoor access is exclusive to Durham Cricket and CLS CC Members for this event! 🏰⚾ Your membership will be checked at the door. Both Durham Cricket and CLS Members can enjoy the Geoff Cook Suite. 🏟️ Don’t forget your membership card! 🎫

Will There Be Entertainment?

Yes! This isn’t just a fireworks display – it’s a full-on festival! 🎉🍔 We’ve got live musicians throughout the night and a DJ to keep you dancing whilst you wait for the event to start! 🎶💃

Do I Need Tickets?

🎟️ Do I Need a Ticket?

You sure do! Everyone attending the Festival of Fireworks will need a ticket to join the fun… so make sure to grab yours early here, and don’t miss out! 👏

👶 Babes in arms (under 2 years old) do not require a ticket, they can attend for free.
🧒 Anyone aged 2–15 is classed as a Junior and will need a Junior ticket.

Travel & Parking from the North & South

Durham Cricket, Banks Homes Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR

Travelling to Durham Cricket, Banks Homes Riverside

By Foot:
When approaching the venue from any direction, please utilise designated public footpaths, overpasses, and underpasses. Under no circumstances should you cross any roads that do not have a marked pedestrian crossing. This is especially important when exiting the venue, as traffic will be heavy.

By Road:
Durham Cricket, Banks Homes Riverside is located just 1.5 miles from junction 63 on the A1(M).

By Bike:
You’re very welcome to come by bike! All main gate entrances are accessible for cyclists, and secure bike racks are available behind Tower 3 for you to lock up your bike safely during the event.

From the North:
Take the fourth exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue to the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Banks Homes Riverside.

From the South:
Take the first exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Banks Homes Riverside.

By Taxi:
Many local taxi firms operate within the CLS area and we recommend using these to drop off and pick up in the Riverside Park car park avoiding congestion at the grounds. There are safe and lit walking routes from here to the grounds without crossing any roads.

By Bus:
There is an extensive local bus network operating to and from Chester-le-Street. Routes north / south from Newcastle to several destinations (e.g., Durham, Bishop Auckland), and east / west (e.g., Sunderland, Consett).

From Newcastle:
The 21 bus leaves from Newcastle Eldon Square and takes approximately an hour to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Coral’s and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey. The route goes from Newcastle through Gateshead and Birtley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.

From Durham:
The 21 bus leaves from Durham Bus Station and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Red Lion and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey.

From Sunderland:
The 78 bus leaves from Sunderland Interchange and takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Chester-le- Street. Every 78 bus stops at Chester-le-Street South Burns. The route goes from Sunderland through Hastings Hill, Bournmoor and Great Lumley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.

The 71 bus leaves from Houghton le Spring direct to Chester le Street Red Lions and takes approximately 25 minutes. Every 71 bus stops at: Great Lumley, Warrior’s Arms, Fence Houses Rail Crossing, Burnside Estate, Abbey Drive and Houghton-le-Spring Church.

If travelling from Sunderland, you can get the 20 Prince Bishops Bus from Sunderland Interchange to Houghton le Spring and then access the 71 to Chester le Street.

Car Parking

Car parking at the venue is available in the pay and display council owned car parks, however you must have pre-bought a ticket to park at the grounds. You can grab these here!

If there are no more car parking tickets available, this has sold out.

For this event, no car parking will be offered inside the ground. For a full list of car parking charges and other place to park in Chester-le-Street, please find them detailed here.

How do I enter the ground?

You’ll be making your grand entrance through Gates 3 & 2! 🎉 Just follow the signs, and you’ll be inside in no time, ready for all the fun! 🏟️✨ For all premium, exec boxes and lounges you will be heading to Gate 1.

♿ Accessibility Information

At Banks Homes Riverside, we are committed to ensuring that every guest can enjoy the Festival of Fireworks safely and comfortably. The venue offers fully accessible facilities throughout, including step-free entrances, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, baby changing areas, and lift access to all public areas.

Wheelchair Users
Accessible wheelchair lifts are available behind Towers 1 and 3, providing step-free access to the general admission seating areas.
Unallocated wheelchair bays are located at the top of the stands, allowing flexibility and choice in viewing.

For guests with Premium Tickets, Executive Boxes, or access to the Members’ Lounge, there is direct lift access into all of these areas.

If you experience any difficulty reaching the main entrances, our stewards can assist with drop-offs closer to the gates before you park. Please speak to a member of the team upon arrival, and they will be happy to help.

Baby Changing Facilities
Baby changing facilities are available in the foyer of the Castle View Suite, located opposite Gate 1.

Support on the Day
Stewards and volunteers will be positioned at every entrance and throughout the grounds to offer assistance. If you or someone in your party requires additional support at any point, please don’t hesitate to approach them — we are here to help make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Venue

Can we bring sparklers?
We love the sparkle, but to keep the grounds safe, we kindly ask that you leave the sparklers at home! ✨❌

🐾 Can I Bring My Dog?
Sorry, no – dogs (and other pets) are not permitted at the Festival of Fireworks.

While we’re huge animal lovers ourselves, fireworks of this scale aren’t suitable for dogs, and we want to ensure the comfort and safety of all animals and guests.

We fully appreciate the impact that fireworks can have on pets and the local environment, which is why we kindly ask that you leave your furry friends safely at home while you enjoy the show.

Can I buy light-up toys?
Absolutely! ✨ We’ve got stalls inside the ground selling all the glowing goodies you need! Just a heads-up – sellers outside the venue aren’t official, so we don’t benefit from their sales. We’d really appreciate it if you grab your merch inside the ground – it helps support the event! 💖 If you run into any issues with sellers outside, we unfortunately can’t help. Let’s keep it glowing safely inside! 🌟

Will there be seats?
Oh yes! 🪑 We’ve got 3000 seats available – first-come, first-served, so grab a spot when you can! And if you’re waiting, why not have a little dance – entertainment is provided pitch side. 💃 There is also a standing area on the pitch which will be used for overflow to guarantee the best view as we light up the sky!

Is the event completely outdoors?
It’s a bit of both! 🌞🌧️ We’ve got the amazing display outside without our general admission area’s and hospitality, Durham Cricket & CLS CC members lounge inside. Just make sure to dress for the weather – rain or starry night! ☔🌌

If it rains, will the event still go ahead?
You bet! 💪 The display is ON rain or starry night, so come prepared! The only time we’ll cancel is if it’s dangerous. Don’t worry though, as the event is on hard standing we see no reason why the show wouldn’t go ahead! 🏖️☔

What are the toilet facilities?
You’ll have easy access to toilets all around! 🚻 We’ve got accessible toilets and baby changing facilities too! 👶

Is there a cash machine?
There’s no on-site ATM, so bring the cash you’ll need. 💸 Don’t fret though – all food & drink vendors accept card payments! 💳

Onsite bar facilities?
If you’re grabbing a drink from Durham Cricket’s bar, be sure to bring your card – they’re card payments only! 🍻🥤

What food & drink facilities do you have?

We listened to your feedback from last year – and we’re going bigger and better for 2025! 🙌

This year, you’ll find 10+ amazing food concessions serving everything from tasty street food and sweet treats to refreshing drinks and snacks to keep you fuelled for the show. Get ready to feast! 🍕🍟🍻

You can explore two main areas for food and drink:

• The car park opposite Tower 2, packed with fan-favourite vendors.

• Our brand-new Food Village located by Bannatyne Health Club, offering even more variety and atmosphere.

Come hungry – you’re not going to want to miss this lineup of delicious options! 😋

Security

Bag Policy
Bags are totally fine – bring yours along but please be prepared to have them searched at the gates! 🎒

Food & Drink
Heads up! No outside food or drink allowed at the festival 🍔🚫 – only what you purchase on-site can be enjoyed in the venue. BUT, you can bring:

• 1 sealed bottle of water (max 500ml per person) 💧
• 1 empty reusable bottle to refill at our free water stations 🚰

Can I bring an umbrella?
Absolutely! 🌂

Can I bring a camera?
YES! 📸 Don’t forget to snap your selfies and tag us Banks Homes Riverside 🎉

I can't make it, can I get a refund?

Sorry to hear you can’t join us! 😢 Tickets are non-refundable, but the good news is you can pass them on to a friend or family member who can enjoy the night for you! 🎟️✨