A Wickedly Wonderful Halloween Firework Spooktacular Event
The mediaeval history of the imposing Dean Castle provides plenty of atmosphere for a wicked Halloween experience at Fawkes Festival in Kilmarnock. Set in the heart of Dean Castle & Country Park, the event will feature family fun, pre-show entertainment, fairground rides, delicious food and drink and a magnificent Halloween-inspired professional fireworks display set to music, lights and lasers.
This spooktacular, in the shadow of the historic castle dating back to the 14th century, is a fabulous new way to experience Halloween and Guy Fawkes all in one.
NOTE: The fireworks display on 31st Oct is at 7.00pm. With this being a ticketed event, we open the doors early because it takes time to get everyone into the venue safely. If you are arriving early at doors opening time (4.30pm), you will have a long wait before the fireworks start, so remember to wrap up warm and come ready to enjoy the funfair, DJ and some hot food as you wait.
Book Tickets
(NOTE: Sunday 29th Oct – Event site opens at 4.00pm, with the fireworks display at 6.30pm)
(NOTE: Tuesday 31st Oct* – Event site opens at 4.30pm , with the fireworks display at 7.00pm)
*Additional night added due to popular demand. Get tickets whilst they last.
Getting To Dean Castle Country Park
HOW DO WE GET TO FAWKES FESTIVAL AT DEAN CASTLE?
Fawkes Festival Dean Castle takes place at Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock.
Please note, other than Blue Badge, there will be no parking available on site, and we will be encouraging the use of public transport, or walking to the event.
To make your visit to Fawkes Festival at Dean Castle as easy as possible, we will be publishing full details detailing available parking areas in due course, which may involve a walk to the event site.
Getting here on foot
All ticket holders should enter the park through the main gate on Dean Road, Kilmarnock. Your tickets will be scanned at this point.
Getting here by bus
Dean Castle Country Park is a 15 minute walk from Kilmarnock train station and main bus terminal or a 5 minute walk from the X76 Kilmarnock-Glasgow bus route. Alight on Glasgow Road, Kilmarnock, then follow Dean Road to the Country Park.
Getting here by taxi / drop offs
All taxis should follow the event signage and one-way system in place to our Drop Off Area. Pickups will be from the same location.
Surrounding parking
If you’re planning to drive, there are surrounding car parks that we encourage you to park in below. Please note, there are limited parking spaces so this is on a first come first serve basis. A small donation on arrival to these locations would be gratefully recieved:
St Mathews RC Church, Grassyards Rd, Kilmarnock, KA3 7SH
Ayrshire College, Hill Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 3HY
*IMPORTANT – STROBE LIGHTS
*Please be aware that the performance may include the use of strobe and flashing lights.
Tickets – All you need to know!
Can we buy tickets at the event?
Yes if the event is not sold out, a selection of tickets will be available at a dedicated box office on site. Tickets will cost £2 more for adults and £1 more for children so we encourage that you pre-purchase in advance to avoid missing out.
Are kids tickets free?
Kids aged 3 and under are free. Kids aged between 4 and 15 inclusive will need their own tickets.
Do you offer discounts for group bookings?
Unfortunately we do not offer group discounts for this event.
Can I get a refund on my tickets?
We are sorry refunds are not offered, and tickets are non-transferable to another event.
Do I need to print my tickets?
No! As part of GC Live’s sustainability goals all tickets will be digital! Please do not print your tickets. Please present them on your phone. Thank you.
What time should I arrive? (Sunday 29th Oct)
The event site opens at 16:00 hours, with the fireworks display at 18:30 hours. Please give yourself enough time to the event and enjoy the pre display entertainment and food.
What time should I arrive? (Tuesday 31st Oct)
The event site opens at 16:30 hours, with the fireworks display at 19.00 hours. Please give yourself enough time to the event and enjoy the pre display entertainment and food.
Do you offer blue badge parking?
Yes we do, our stewards will direct you to this area on arrival. Please ensure your badge is displayed clearly in your windscreen. Please note that Blue Badge Parking is limited and available on a first come basis.
Can I claim a free Carers ticket?
ACCESSIBILITY – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
What is the ground like?
Are there accessible toilets?
Do you provide wheelchairs?
Do you offer blue badge parking?
Yes we do, our stewards will direct you to this area on arrival. Please ensure your badge is displayed clearly in your windscreen.
THE EVENT – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Is there food available at the event?
Oh yes! Watch this space for updates on a list of vendors.
Is it cards or cash?
Please bring both!
Is there any other entertainment?
Yes, watch this space! We will have a small funfair and exciting pre-show entertainment.
Do I have to pay for the funfair rides?
Yes all the funfair rides are chargeable, they are not included in your ticket price.
Can I bring my dog / sparklers / BBQ / picnic table / fireworks / alcohol / Gran?
Please don’t bring your dog unless he / she is an assistance dog. This is a major fireworks display and is loud, along with accompanying music. Please also do not bring any pets and leave them in your car – they may become distressed during the fireworks.
Please don’t bring sparklers or any fireworks. 21CC Fireworks will be providing the best firework display – no other fireworks are allowed on this site.
We are happy for you to bring camping chairs and rugs, but please do not bring tables or BBQs.
This is an alcohol free event, please do not bring any into the site. There are also no alcohol sales on the night.
Yes you can bring your Gran and your Grandpa, Nana and Pops too – we are sure they will love it!
Does it end after the fireworks display?
No! You are welcome to stay, grab some more food, enjoy the rides once again. The event closes at 20:00 hours.
Do you have a system in place for lost children?
We recommend dressing your young ones in bright clothing and if possible putting a copy of your contact details in their pockets just in case. Our event staff are fully briefed and have agreed systems in place to ensure the safe return of your children in the unlikely event of them getting lost.
Can we bring a buggy or a pram?
Yes, please bear in mind the terrain is a mixture of grass and hardstanding.
What is the photography and videography policy?
When you enter Fawkes Festival photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Our terms and conditions state that by entering the grounds, you consent to this. Please click Here to read full terms and conditions for further information.
Protecting our surroundings and wildlife
We very much understand the impact of loud noise on animals and wildlife. As a responsible operator, we have planned ahead and taken steps to ensure that our events are safe and suitable for everyone involved. This includes consideration to animals and wildlife living in and around our event sites.
Holding a controlled and planned event in a large open space has many benefits. Not least the reduction of individual firework displays across multiple households, which would typically extend the window of loud noise for wildlife across a number of days.
Our event is being held on the large lawn at the front of the Castle, to minimise the affect the event will have on animals within the park and woodland. Our team also conducts a comprehensive tidy-up of the area directly after the event.
The careful team at 21CC Fireworks, who are providing the display, are very accustomed to designing displays with animals in mind, starting small with less noisy products, building slowly to a crescendo. The size of product has also been capped to a size suitable to the site, to ensure the right product is being used. This deliberate approach to the design lessens the impact of the noise on animals. Music also forms part of the display, further reducing the impact and effect of the fireworks noise.
THE WEATHER – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Will the event go ahead if it’s raining?
Yes! The only weather which may cause the event to be cancelled is very high winds. In the unlikely event we have to cancel then announcements will be made on the event’s website.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly and wear flat waterproof shoes, much of the event is on grass and remember this is almost winter time. In the words of the great Billy Connolly, there is no such thing as bad weather only the wrong clothes!