Harrogate Autumn Lights 2025 – Your Complete Guide

Bonfire season in Harrogate is already special, but this year there’s something brand new to look forward to. Autumn Lights 2025 is making its debut at the Yorkshire Showground (HG2 8NZ) on Monday 3rd November, bringing with it a full evening of entertainment, food, and two spectacular pyromusical firework displays. 

The touring festival has been drawing crowds across the country, and now it’s Harrogate’s turn. If you’re weighing up whether to go, here’s a full breakdown of what’s on, how to get there, and why this one’s worth the Monday night outing.

What to Expect on the Night

The gates open at 3pm, and from the off there’s plenty happening to ease you into the evening. Street food stalls fire up the grills, bars pour the first pints, and the funfair whirrs into life. From there, the programme builds steadily until the fireworks finale.

Ryan Swain, local lad turned award-winning DJ and compere, sets the pace from 4pm onwards. Families with younger children will want to head to the funfair around 4:15pm, when popular characters make an appearance for meet-and-greets. As dusk falls, La Flamo’s fire show and the Spark! drummers add bursts of spectacle, while the Young Elton tribute act warms up the crowd with a familiar singalong.

The first firework and special effects display is at 7:40pm — earlier, shorter and designed with children in mind. It’s followed by more stage antics from Dick & Dom, whose live show has a knack for entertaining kids and nostalgic parents alike. The evening culminates in the grand finale pyromusical display at 9:15pm, a full-scale show set to music and visible across the Showground.

Adding to the atmosphere, roaming glow performers will wander the site throughout, giving the place a proper festival feel.

The Fireworks

Let’s be honest: the fireworks are what most people are here for. Harrogate’s Autumn Lights edition serves up not one, but two displays. The first, at 7:40pm, is ideal for younger families who might want to duck out early. The main event at 9:15pm is the full works — a meticulously choreographed pyromusical designed to fill the sky with colour and light, all timed perfectly to a soundtrack.

Both displays are viewable from across the venue, with hardstanding areas available. That means even if November delivers its usual drizzle, you won’t be ankle-deep in mud.

Do note: the displays are loud. Families with small children may want to bring ear defenders, and if you forget, they’ll be on sale at the bar and gate.

Food, Drink and Extras

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to food and drink. Expect a mix of hot meals, lighter snacks and desserts from a range of stalls dotted across the site. Two fully stocked bars serve both alcoholic and soft drinks.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but glass isn’t allowed, and alcohol is a no-go due to licensing restrictions. Between the food stalls, the fairground rides and the live performances, there’s plenty to keep you busy between firework displays.

Getting to the Yorkshire Showground

The Yorkshire Showground is easy to reach from central Harrogate and beyond. If you’re driving, parking is free, with clear signage for ‘Autumn Lights’ as you approach. Stewards will direct you into place.

Public transport is possible, though less convenient late at night. Harrogate’s train station connects to Leeds and York, and from there taxis can cover the final leg to the Showground (HG2 8NZ). If you’re planning on making a night of it, booking a taxi in advance is wise — nobody wants to be left haggling for a ride in the cold.

Tickets and Prices

Advance booking is the way to go, both for price and peace of mind. Tickets on the gate are more expensive and subject to availability.

• Online: £14.99 adults / £7.99 children (4–16) + booking fees

• On the gate (if available): £20 adults / £10 children

• Under 3s: free

Tickets cover the full evening of entertainment, including both firework displays, live acts, funfair entry and access to all on-site facilities.

Tips for Making the Most of it

A bit of planning makes the evening far more enjoyable. Here are a few practical pointers:

• Aim to arrive by 5pm. You’ll avoid the biggest queues at the gate and food stalls.

• Wrap up warm. The Showground is exposed and November nights in Harrogate aren’t known for being tropical.

• Scout your viewing spot early. The displays are visible from most areas, but if you want the clearest line of sight, bag a spot before the crowds settle in.

FAQs

What time do the fireworks start?

The children’s display is at 7:40pm, with the grand finale at 9:15pm.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, parking at the Yorkshire Showground is free.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, food and soft drinks are fine. No glass and no alcohol are permitted.

Are ear defenders needed for children?

The displays are very loud, so ear defenders are recommended for infants. They’re sold on site.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance tickets are cheaper and guarantee entry. On-the-gate tickets are more expensive and not guaranteed.

Why Harrogate Autumn Lights is Worth it

As a first-time stop for the Autumn Lights tour, Harrogate’s in for a treat. Between the live acts, the funfair, the food and the two carefully choreographed firework displays, it’s shaping up to be one of the highlights of bonfire season.

If you’re after a night that combines local entertainment with a finale loud enough to make the dog bark three streets away, the Yorkshire Showground on 3rd November is the place to be.

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Looking for More Firework Events To Add To Your Diary This Year?

We’ve rounded up the biggest and best UK firework events happening throughout 2025. Bookmark our guide here: 2025 UK Firework Event Dates for Your Diary

Whether you're after traditional Bonfire Night spectaculars or exhilarating pyromusicals, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.