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Battersea Park Fireworks, photograph: Shutterstock
Battersea Park Fireworks. Photograph: Shutterstock

Bonfire Night firework displays in London

Ooooh, ahhhh!... Gaze skywards at London’s biggest and best fireworks displays this 2023 Bonfire Night

Chris Waywell
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Chris Waywell
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Ah Bonfire Night, the evening when Brits gather together in the November cold to watch fireworks and a flaming pile of wood, all in celebration of a guy who tried to blow up Parliament 400 years ago. Anyone from out of town may think Guy Fawkes Night is all a bit strange (and they’d probably be right). But, we’re fiercely proud of our Catherine Wheel whizzing, sparkler crackling tradition. 

While there are many epic bonfires across the UK, you’ll be hard-pressed to find as many concentrated in the same place as in London. You’ll find sparkles popping up in the night sky all over town this year. But, wherever you live in London, there’ll still be some sparkles to tempt you out into the winter cold. Here’s our pick of the best ones in town.  

When is Bonfire Night in London?

As the adage goes: remember, remember the fifth of November. Bonfire Night is officially on November 5 every year, and luckily that falls on a Sunday in 2023. This year, a lot of the displays are happening over the weekend of November 3-5. As has become the norm, lots of displays get going in the afternoon with funfairs, food stalls and more, making it a proper fun family day out.

Top tips for Bonfire Night in London 

  • Book in advance: Nearly all of London’s free bonfire celebrations aren’t taking place this year, which means tickets are essential if you want to get a close-up view of the bangs and sparks. So get organised! 
  • Wrap up: The unpredictable great British weather rarely ever plays ball. 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 card 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 go. 
  • 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. 

NOTE we’re keeping this page as up-to-date as possible as more details of displays are released 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. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things do in London this November.

Bonfire Night events in London 2023

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
  • Things to do
  • Festivals
  • Alexandra Palace

The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is easily one of the biggest, baddest displays in town. As ever, the display will be set to music, which is usually curated by a big-name DJ, making the always impressive fireworks exploding with a glittering panoramic view of London as its backdrop even more special. There’ll also be warming street food, a light show from Lords of Lightning, and a huge German Bier Fest with sets from tribute acts Joel Coombes: Elton John and Rogue Minogue: Kylie, DJ sets from Fat Tony and DJ Spoony and a drag party with iconic drag queens Jonny Woo and John Sizzle. 

  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Barnes

This traditional bonfire night celebration features a ‘best guy’ competition – the winner of which gets to light the party’s big bonfire. Fireworks usually go off at 7.45pm. Food, mulled wine and a licensed bar will all be on hand to tempt you, too. There’ll be a DJ soundtracking the entire evening and you can also buy sparklers onsite – good news if you’ve ever braved the huge queues for the spark sticks. Tickets need to be bought in advance.

 

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  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Battersea

Wandsworth Council’s annual display is back for 2023, doubling in size to become a two-nighter. Saturday November 4 is the regular fireworks and bonfire. While Sunday November 5 is more family-friendly, with activities for kids and fewer nerve-jangling explosions. There”ll also be mulled winter warmers and autumnal comfort food. It always sells out, so book early.

Beckenham Fireworks
  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Beckenham

The Beckenham Scouts are at it again, taking over the park in Croydon Road Recreation Ground for the south London area’s annual firework display, which they’ve been doing since 1946. Go for the child-friendly ‘quiet display’ at 6pm or the loud adult one at 7.45pm: either way, you also get funfairs, hot-food stalls and warm drinks. 

 

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Coram’s Fields Fireworks Display
  • Kids
  • Bloomsbury

This small, family-focused fireworks event in Camden’s Coram Fields proves its kid-friendly credentials by taking place a lot earlier than your average display, starting at 3.30pm and with the bangs and sparks lifting off at 6pm. It’s all free, but tickets are available for prime viewing spots. As well as the bangs, there will be food and drink stalls and performances from local schools and young people.  

Dulwich Fireworks Display
  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Herne Hill

This family-oriented fest (which is £1 for kids under 16) kicks off at 5pm. In addition to the explosions, they’re promising mulled wine, real ale, a barbecue, pizza and more. Prepare to ooh and ahh when the fireworks go off at 7pm. No tickets will be available on the night, so get organised! 

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Morden Park Fireworks
  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Morden

The Morden Park fireworks involve two displays, the first of which is a child-friendly one, at 5.15pm with a magic theme. That's followed by a more elaborate (read: way louder) ‘One Hit Wonders’ adult display at 7.15pm. Fairground rides and food stalls also make an appearance.

  • Things to do
  • Fireworks
  • Wimbledon

See some ‘musical fireworks’ at this two-part show in Wimbledon Park. The first display, at 5.15pmpm, is set to ‘magical’ tunes, the other, at 8.30pm, has a one-hit wonders theme. You can also expect food, drink and funfair rides. A great night out.

 

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