Scarborough Fireworks & Goldwing Parade: 2025 Event Guide

What to expect at Scarborough’s favourite free night of bikes, lights and fireworks

If you like your motorcycles shiny, your seafront buzzing, and your fireworks loud enough to rattle your chips, then clear your diary for Saturday 6th September 2025 – because Scarborough’s Goldwing Light Parade & Firework Display is rolling back into town.

This much-loved seaside spectacular has been lighting up the Yorkshire coast since 2008, and it’s earned its place as one of the UK’s most dazzling (and noisy) charity parades. With a fleet of neon-lit Honda Goldwings, a coastal cruise to rival the Monaco Grand Prix (sort of), and a proper fireworks finale courtesy of the South Bay Traders’ Association – this event is pure family fun from start to finish.

A full day of two-wheeled fun by the sea

Things kick off from 10am with a static display of over 100 Goldwing motorcycles parked up on West Pier and Foreshore Road. If you’ve never seen one up close, picture a motorbike that’s swallowed a cruise ship, then strapped on speakers and a disco ball. These bikes don’t just look the part – they sound the part too, with many riders cranking out music and donning fancy dress just to add to the full-on carnival vibe.

While you're admiring the chrome and LEDs, you can also pop by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance tombola and gift stall for a flutter or to pick up a souvenir. The Mayor of Scarborough will be judging the best trike (no pressure, riders), and drawing the grand raffle – so make sure you grab a ticket and cross those fingers.

The evening parade – time to light up the coastline

As the sun dips and the bikes start to glow, the real show begins. The parade musters at 6.30pm and sets off at 8.00pm sharp from the South Bay. The illuminated convoy will travel down Foreshore Road to the roundabout, turn back on itself and loop along Marine Drive, past North Bay, and up to Peasholm Roundabout before returning to the South Bay promenade.

Whether you’re camped out on Marine Drive or waving from a chip shop doorway, you’re in for a real treat – the combo of coloured lights, rumbling engines and blaring tunes is like Scarborough meets Vegas-on-wheels.

Free seafront party and entertainment all evening

From 6pm, head to the ‘This Is The Coast’ stage near the lifeboat station for live music, games, giveaways and general seaside silliness hosted by Paddy, Tom Hooper, and the ever-enthusiastic Coast Crew (yes, including Rover Reporter the dog). There’ll be tunes, banter, and plenty of crowd energy to get everyone in the mood before the main event.

With South Bay pubs, cafés and chippies staying open late, you’ll have plenty of options for fuelling up – whether you're in the mood for a pint, a cuppa or a fistful of battered sausage.

Then comes the big finish – a firework display to remember

Once the bikes have finished their loop and parked up, it’s time for the grand finale. At around 9.00pm, the skies above South Bay Beach will light up with a cracking firework display – think rockets, bursts, bangs, and plenty of colour to end the night on a literal high.

Whether you’re down on the sand or watching from The Esplanade or Marine Drive, you’ll have a great view of the show. If you're after something a bit quieter, we recommend grabbing a spot up on the cliffs or the steps near Spa Bridge – ideal for firework fans who prefer their explosions with a bit of legroom.

Top tips for making the most of your visit

• Arrive early: With thousands heading into town, parking can be tight. Get there in good time and enjoy the full day of festivities.

• Bring cash: Some of the charity stalls and raffle tickets may be cash-only.

• Dress for the weather: It’s Yorkshire – even in September, a waterproof never hurts.

• Pack a blanket and snacks: Especially if you're making a night of it by the sea.

Supporting an epic cause

While the event is completely free to attend, donations are encouraged – and for good reason. This year’s parade is once again raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a vital service that relies on public support to keep flying. Since the Goldwing Parade began, it’s raised over £62,000 for local lifeboats and air ambulance charities. Not bad for a bike night, eh?

So if you're heading down, chuck a few quid in the bucket, buy a raffle ticket, and know that every firework that lights up the sky is helping save lives on the ground.

Can’t make it? Throw your own fireworks party

If you can't get to Scarborough but still fancy lighting up your own September night, we’ve got everything you need right here at Epic Fireworks HQ. From single rockets to full-blown DIY display kits (complete with instructions that make sense), we’ve got fireworks for all spaces, budgets and attention spans.

Whether it’s for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, weddings or just a cheeky Saturday night in the garden, we’ve got the bang – you bring the snacks.

Shop our full range of fireworks today