Festival of Fireworks 2024 FAQ’s

When?

Saturday 2nd November 2024

What Time?

Saturday 2nd November 2024
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://www.durhamcricket.co.uk

What to Expect

Prepare for a night full of sparkle and fun at the Festival of Fireworks at Seat Unique 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, face painting, 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. CLS Members can enjoy the newly refurbished Castle View Suite, while Durham Cricket Members will head to the Geoff Cook Suite. 🏟️ For entry, CLS Members should check in at the Paul Collingwood Pavilion. 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?

You sure do! 🎟️ Everyone needs a ticket to join the fun, so grab yours right here: https://tickets.durhamcricket.co.uk/selection/event/date?productId=10228794561074&fbclid=fbclid Don’t miss out! 👏

Travel & Parking from the North & South

Durham Cricket, Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR

Travelling to Durham Cricket, Seat Unique 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, Seat Unique Riverside is located just 1.5 miles from junction 63 on the A1(M).

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 Seat Unique 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 Seat Unique Riverside.

By Taxi:
Blue Line Taxis are in operation around Durham Cricket and are our chosen provider for travel, these can be pre-booked by ringing 0191 388 7766.

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 do this here: https://tickets.durhamcricket.co.uk/selection/event/date?productId=10228882530573 If there are no more tickets availible, 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: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3485/Chester-le-Street-car-parks

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! 🏟️✨

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 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 6000 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, CLS CC members lounge and Durham Cricket 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?

Get ready to feast! 🍔🍕🍟 We’ve got a huge range of food stalls and bars offering all kinds of delicious cuisines on the night. You’ll find the tastiest bites and refreshing drinks in the car park opposite Tower 2 and near Gate 2. Come hungry! 😋🍻

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. Oh, and no liquids over 600ml either. 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 Seat Unique 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! 🎟️✨