Santa Pod Flame & Thunder 2025: The UK’s Loudest, Fastest, Most Bonkers Halloween Weekend

If you’re the kind of person who thinks fireworks are good… but could be better if they were combined with jet cars, monster trucks, live bands, dinosaurs, and blokes setting Guinness World Records in front of thousands of people — then Santa Pod’s Flame & Thunder is your spiritual home.

This annual stunt-and-firework extravaganza is back on Saturday 25th October 2025, and honestly, it’s one of those events that makes you forget the British weather is mostly drizzle and misery. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s family-friendly (but also beer-friendly), and it ends with a fireworks display that’ll make your neighbour’s £20 garden box look like a birthday candle. 

A quick history lesson (the fun kind)

Flame & Thunder isn’t new. Santa Pod Raceway — the mecca of UK drag racing — has been throwing this end-of-season bash for years. It started as a way to give petrolheads one last fix before winter, but it’s grown into something much bigger: motorsport meets circus meets Halloween party.

Now, it’s one of the biggest family firework events in the country. Kids come for the dinosaurs and bouncy castles, parents come for the monster trucks and jet cars, and everyone stays for the fireworks.

What’s happening this year? (Spoiler: A lot)

Here’s the menu. Strap in.

• Jet cars galore – Fireforce 3, Fireforce 5, Firestorm, Spiderman Jet Dragster, and even Oklahoma Willy, a VW pickup with a literal fighter jet engine bolted to the back.

• Monster Trucks – Podzilla and Swamp Thing will spend the day crushing cars like tin cans. And yes, you can actually ride in a full-sized monster truck if you’re over 3ft tall.

• Stunts, stunts, stunts – Terry Grant’s precision driving, Lee Bowers’ freestyle motorbike tricks, and Team Maximum Lock all the way from Malta doing drift ballet in Skylines.

• Quirky side acts – Jet-powered go-karts, a mini jet funny car called “Reign of Fire,” and even the legendary JCB Dancing Diggers (imagine construction machinery doing synchronised dance routines — it’s better than it sounds).

• Family-friendly chaos – Dino shows with a giant T-Rex, mini Land Rover driving, Halloween discos, inflatables, mini monster trucks for kids… basically, if your child says they’re bored, you’re legally allowed to disown them.

• The big finale – As tradition goes, the fireworks kick off right as the Fireforce Jet Car screams across the strip at 270mph. Talk about timing.

Tickets & timings

• When: Saturday 25th October 2025 (gates open 8am, fireworks after dark)

• Where: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, NN29 7XA

• Saturday Only Tickets: 

  • Adults: £39 early bird / £49 standard

  • Kids (5–15): £11

  • Under 5s: Free

• Weekend: 

  • Adults: £56 early bird / £66 standard

  • Kids (5–15): £21

  • Under 5s: Free

• Grandstand seats: £7 early / £10 standard

• Parking: Free

• Camping: Included with weekend tickets (and yes, you can bring tents, caravans or motorhomes).

Pro tip: Early bird prices vanish 11th October at 5pm — don’t be that person who pays £10 more because you forgot.

How to get there

Santa Pod Raceway is about 20 minutes from Wellingborough, and roughly an hour from Birmingham, Leicester, Milton Keynes or London (if the M1 behaves). The postcode NN29 7XA works fine in sat navs.

There are shuttle coaches from some towns, but honestly, driving is easiest — just plan for traffic near the site. Parking is free and there’s loads of it.

Insider tips to actually make the most of it

Forget the generic “bring a coat” nonsense. Here’s the good stuff:

• Don’t miss the Pit Party – This happens before the main acts kick off and lets you meet the stunt drivers, get up close to the monster trucks, and snap photos before they start breaking physics. Kids love it. Adults secretly love it more.

• Token up early – All funfair rides run on a token system. Queues for tokens get grim by mid-afternoon, so grab a bundle (£25 for 27 tokens, £50 for 55) as soon as you arrive. Saves you tantrums later.

• Book the grandstand – If you’ve never been, it’s worth the extra £7–£10. You’ll get the best view of the drag strip, jet cars, and fireworks. Otherwise, you’ll be fighting over railings.

• Stay for Lodestone Live – The band plays in Fuelers Bar after the fireworks, which means the fun doesn’t just end with the display. A lot of people rush off; don’t. It’s like a free gig.

• If you’re camping, bring earplugs – Not for sleeping, but for jet cars. 10,000 horsepower in your chest is exhilarating, but your eardrums will thank you for a bit of padding.

• Halloween costumes encouraged – Loads of families dress up for the Halloween vibe. It’s not mandatory, but the kids’ disco and Any Witch Way act are way more fun if you’re in the spirit.

Why you should go

Because it’s basically the UK’s ultimate firework party. Other places might give you sparklers and a toffee apple. Santa Pod gives you jet cars, monster trucks, dinosaurs, a fairground, live music, stunts, AND a firework finale synced with a car doing 270mph.

It’s the one night of the year where you can genuinely say: “This has everything.”

FAQs

Is Flame & Thunder suitable for kids?

Absolutely. There are loads of family-friendly attractions (mini monster trucks, discos, inflatables, dinosaurs). Just maybe bring ear defenders for the jet cars.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, but there are bars and caterers on-site. And honestly, you’ll want a hot burger or doughnut when the sun goes down.

Are dogs allowed?

Nope. Dogs and jet engines don’t mix well.

What time are the fireworks?

They’re the grand finale — usually around 7–7:30pm, right after the Fireforce Jet Car’s run.

Is camping worth it?

Yes, especially if you want the weekend vibe. Plus, the Saturday night band is a good laugh, and you don’t have to deal with traffic straight after the fireworks.

Fancy Some Fireworks of Your Own?

Well, lucky you. Because here at Epic Fireworks, we stock the UK’s biggest and best range of consumer fireworks—everything from mega rockets to garden-friendly fountains. Whether you’re planning a back garden bonanza or a full-blown party with all the pyro, we’ve got you covered.

Even better, our ready-made DIY display packs take all the guesswork out of planning. Just light the fuse, step back, and take the glory.

Browse our display packs now – and make your next celebration go off with a bang.

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.