Guildford’s Fireworks Fiesta Might Go Out With a Bang – Literally

Is this the final spark for one of the UK’s longest-running firework displays?

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you’re stood in Stoke Park on Bonfire Night. Cold hands wrapped around a questionable cup of mulled wine, kids buzzing on candy floss, and then – that first firework hits the sky and everyone lets out that collective oooooh. Pure joy.

But here’s the gut-punch: Guildford’s much-loved Fireworks Fiesta might be going up in smoke for good after 2025.

What’s going on?

The Guildford Fireworks Fiesta is a full-on community bonanza that’s been lighting up Surrey skies for nearly 50 years. Run entirely by the brilliant volunteers at Guildford Lions Club, it pulls in up to 10,000 people a year with a big firework display, live music, food, family fun – the lot.

It’s also raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. So yeah, it matters.

But – and it’s a big but – the show’s in trouble. Rising costs and a sharp drop in local sponsorship mean the 2025 display could be its last unless someone steps up to help fund it. In their own words, “The financial risk is huge.”

Translation: it's blinking expensive to blow stuff up safely and spectacularly for 10,000 people.

Why it’s more than just fireworks

Look, fireworks are our business – literally – but this is bigger than that. Events like this are woven into the fabric of communities. You might only go once a year, but that one night becomes a core memory. You don’t forget where you were when the sky turned red and gold and your mate dropped their burger in the mud.

Guildford Lions aren’t a faceless events company. They’re a group of 40 volunteers who put the whole thing on to raise money for people who need it – like The Fountain Centre, a brilliant local cancer charity. Every penny they make goes right back into helping others.

What can you do about it (apart from tutting quietly at your phone)?

• If you're a local business: they’re crying out for sponsors. Doesn’t matter if you’re a tech giant or a tea shop – if you want your name on something that makes thousands of people smile and helps fund essential local support, this is your chance.

• If you're just a decent human with a love of fireworks: share the word, buy tickets, donate if you can. Help keep the flame alive, literally.

Because once this sort of thing disappears, it doesn’t come back.

Or... fancy doing it yourself?

If the thought of Guildford losing its big night has got you itching to take matters into your own hands, well, you’re in luck.

We’ve been helping people put on epic firework displays for years. Whether it’s a small family gathering or a full-blown community knees-up, we’ve got the good to turn your back garden into a mini Stoke Park – minus the traffic and £6 hot dogs.

At Epic Fireworks, we’re your go-to for everything you need to put on an awesome fireworks display. Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, weddings or any special occasion, we’ve got you covered with an extensive range of fireworks, from sparklers and fountains to show-stopping barrages and rockets.

Looking for something easy but still impressive?

Our DIY display packs come with everything you need to create a stunning show, with easy-to-follow instructions to help you fire like a pro. Plus, our fireworks are up to 5 times more powerful than supermarket fireworks so you'll be getting more bang for your buck, literally!

And don’t worry – we only sell the good stuff. No soggy fountains or rockets that go pffft and fall over. Just quality bangs, booms and jaw-dropping sky candy.

Shop our full range of market-beating fireworks today

The bottom line

Guildford’s Fireworks Fiesta is still on for 2025 – Saturday 8th November, if you want to put it in your diary. But it might be the last one if more support doesn’t show up. And that would be a huge loss.

So let’s rally. Share it. Support it. Sponsor it. And if all else fails, throw your own party and let us help you make it legendary.

Because whether it’s in a park, a field, or your own back garden, we believe every Bonfire Night deserves a bit of boom.