Bonfire Night in London: The best firework displays

The clocks have gone back, the weather has gone all blustery and autumnal, and Halloween has been and gone. So now it’s time to remember, remember the fifth of November. 

Of all of the UK’s winter traditions, there’s nothing like gathering in a park in the nippy nights of early November to watch a pile of flaming wood and fireworks piercing the sky. Bonfire Night – aka Guy Fawkes Night –might sound strange to those unfamiliar with it, but it’s a great British tradition and one of the highlights of the second half of the year.

London puts on a plethora of Bonfire Night and fireworks displays with sparkly skies, yummy street food and so much more. We’ll be updating this page as more details of this year’s events are released. 

When is Bonfire Night in London?

You know the old adage! Bonfire Night is officially on November 5 every year, and, this year, that falls on a Wednesday. You’ll find some displays on the night itself, but most will be taking place on either the weekend before or after so you can really make the most of the fun. These days, fireworks displays are about more than bonfires and colourful skies – it’s now the norm for events to boast funfairs, food stalls and more.

Top tips for Bonfire Night in London 

• Book in advance: Some events you can just rock up to and pay on the gate; others sell out early and don’t keep tickets back for the spontaneous among us. The key to not being disappointed is being organised!
• Wrap up: The unpredictable great British weather rarely ever plays ball. It’s too early to say what exactly the heavens will decide to do in early November, but you can make an educated guess that cold temperatures and wet weather could very well be on the cards. So, make sure you bring plenty of layers, including one that’s preferably waterproof, to avoid a soggy, miserable evening. 
• Cash up: Yes, most places take cards now, but you never know, and you definitely don’t want to be stranded in a cold field with no way of buying a hot jacket potato. So, visit a cash machine before you get to your chosen display, just in case.  
• Leave the sparklers at home: As much as we love those hot, firey sticks, lots of organised bonfires won’t allow them or will only let you buy them on-site. So, save them for the garden at home. 

London’s best firework displays at a glance

• Best for extra entertainment: Alexandra Palace
• Best for young families: Wimbledon Park
• Best for budgeters: Coram’s Field
• Best for traditionalists: Royal Gunpowder Mills
• Best for last-minute bookers: Beckenham

LAST MINUTE: Where to watch fireworks in London this week

Friday November 7

• St James Church: 6pm-8pm, West Hampstead, £5. Tickets here. 
• Orpington Golf Centre: 5.30pm-10pm, Orpington, £7-12.50. Tickets here.

Saturday November 8

• The Walker Ground: 5pm-10pm, Southgate, £9-14. Tickets here.
• Enfield Town Park: 4pm-8pm, Enfield, £3.75-14. Tickets here. 
• Wimbledon Park: 5.15pm-10pm, Wimbledon, £10-14. Tickets here. 
• Epping Green: 5pm-9pm, Epping, £5-7.50. Tickets here. 
• Harrow (Byron Park): 12pm-11pm, Harrow, £8.95-12.95. Tickets here. 
• The Brentham Club: 5pm-9.30pm, Ealing, £6.50-12.50. Tickets here. 

NOTE we’re keeping this page as up-to-date as possible as more details of displays are released (or cancelled) but for God’s sake double-check with the local organisers before you traipse along to your local recreation ground with kids/mates/dates in the freezing November twilight. 

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