Guy Fawkes Day on Waterloo Bridge by Annie Wu

Wish I could have seen this.

The first Guy Fawkes Day experience in London turned out to be not as spectacular as it could have been solely due to where my location was. The fireworks displays were not in close proximity to central London as much as I liked so I opted to view what I could from Waterloo Bridge. It wasn’t the brightest idea, but I was able to view at least 4 different fireworks displays in other parts of London from the bridge. There were far fewer people than an actual fireworks display location, making it easier for me to enjoy the view without having to be surrounded by others. There also were no distractions from vendors or booths and music (though I had my own music playing in my ears as I watched).
I was not alone on the bridge as a family with a small child had stopped on the bridge first as the first set of fireworks went of in the south of London. Countless others joined in later, stopping near the family and me to view the fireworks going off. Although they weren’t close enough to fill the sky, it was enough to satisfy and stop passerbys for moment to be wowed by fireworks. I found it interesting how many people chose to stop next to us due to curiosity of what we were looking at. For a good half hour, we were staring at nothing but the dark, cloudy sky filled with the lights from certain buildings and the London Eye. 

What I couldn't see from my position except the red ones.

The fireworks, from what I could view, were pretty magnificent. They would have been more beautiful in person at the events, of course. The few times where a big one would shower over the southern end of the bridge brought great delight to us viewers and stopped a few people in their tracks to view it. The longest display I witnessed came from the southeast end, which I’m not sure which display it was. The fireworks went on for about 20 minutes or more. Most of the fireworks could be seen from over the buildings that obstructed the skyline in that direction. The end fireworks to that display were brilliant with sparkling colors as well as brilliant reds and greens. This was the only display that I could really see half of it from where I stood.

West London also had 2 displays go off during my stay at the bridge but I only saw a few sparks and lights from my position. The sky, however, was lit with every single burst in the sky, which was delightful in knowing fireworks were going off. There were also smaller fireworks shot into the air perhaps by random locals to celebrate as well. They were smaller and not as brilliant. Many of these types of fireworks went off near the flats, which I noticed others from the buildings behind also took a look at. The smaller fireworks should not be ignored though as they were more visible than the bigger official displays. Others on the bridge with me watched the few that people had set off, and they were the only good pictures I took of fireworks there. There were also other displays that went off behind the buildings near the London which I caught glimpses of as well.

In the end, I was only able to view parts of a few displays around London. Where I was had a more romantic atmosphere than a fireworks viewing atmosphere. I would say I am satisfied with my first experience as I was able to see fireworks and hear them. I had missed out on the Coram field display and could not make the travel to the outer displays. Although I didn’t enjoy myself, I would have liked to have gone to a busier location so I could view the audience, booths, festival activities, and the bonfire part of the celebration.