The Top Ten Places to Enjoy Bonfire Night in the UK
Bonfire Night is one of those autumn traditions that just hits the spot—crisp evenings, the smell of wood smoke, and enough fireworks to make you forget it’s almost winter. While we’re technically marking the downfall of Guy Fawkes and his ill-fated plot, let’s be honest, it’s really all about getting together with your friends and family, getting the woolly hats out, and watching the night sky light up in spectacular style.
That said, not all Bonfire Night events are created equal. Some go big with elaborate fireworks shows, while others offer quirky local traditions or take a more modern approach with tech-driven displays. From dazzling pyromusicals to fiery processions, there’s a bit of everything if you know where to look.
In London, Alexandra Palace steals the show with its epic fireworks festival, complete with a drone display, live music, and enough street food to keep you munching all night. Head up to Edinburgh for the Fawkes Festival, Scotland’s biggest Bonfire Night event, or enjoy a magical night in the North West at Alton Towers, where their fireworks are paired with late-night rollercoaster thrills.
For something truly wild, check out Ottery St Mary in Devon, where flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets—an ancient tradition that’s not for the faint-hearted. Or if you prefer a quieter night, Old Down Country Park in Bristol offers a low-noise fireworks display that’ll keep the pets (and your ears) happy.
From fireworks festivals to quirky customs, Bonfire Night has plenty to offer. In this list we've compiled our top ten places to celebrate Bonfire Night. Let's dive in.
1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
When: 1st and 2nd November 2024
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Tickets: Adult: £17.50, Child (0-10yrs): £5.50, Child (11-15yrs): £12
Looking for the crème de la crème of Bonfire Night events? Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks Festival is just that. Known affectionately as "Ally Pally," this North London favourite doesn’t just dazzle with fireworks—it’s an all-out festival. Expect an incredible drone show, live music, a German beer fest, and food stalls galore. Oh, and there's ice skating too, if you're feeling adventurous. It's basically the Glastonbury of the firework world, and yes, it’s just as popular.
Don’t miss our full guide to this event: Everything you need to know about Alexandra Palace's 2024 Fireworks Festival
2. Lewes Bonfire Night
When: Tuesday 5th November 2024
Where: Lewes, East Sussex
Tickets: Fireside Tickets - £10
If you’re after a Bonfire Night with a bit of drama, Lewes is where it’s at. This one’s not your average fireworks and hot chocolate affair—oh no. It’s a wild, historical celebration complete with parades of costumed bonfire societies, fiery effigies, and a display that’s as dazzling as it is intense. From Viking ships to political caricatures going up in flames, Lewes knows how to put on a show. Be prepared for huge crowds and plenty of excitement!
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in Sussex.
3. Battersea Park Fireworks
When: Saturday 2nd November & Sunday 3rd November 2024
Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Tickets: Adult: £13.10, Child (5-15yrs): £8.80, Under 5s: Free
Down by the Thames, Battersea Park’s fireworks have earned their place as a South London staple. With music booming and fireworks soaring over the river, it’s the perfect mix of drama and beauty. The Saturday night is all about the party, while Sunday’s family-friendly event brings earlier fireworks and a calmer vibe. Either way, it’s big, bold, and absolutely worth grabbing your tickets early.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in London.
4. Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular
When: 8th-10th November 2024
Where: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
Tickets: Standard Entry - £43
Alton Towers knows how to go big, and its Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular is no exception. Imagine riding rollercoasters in the dark, then capping off the night with a mind-blowing firework display. It's the perfect mix of adrenaline and entertainment. With rides open late and a fireworks finale to light up the skies, this is Bonfire Night on another level. A theme park and fireworks? Yes, please.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening the West Midlands.
5. Fawkes Festival, Edinburgh
When: Sunday, 3rd November 2024, Gates open at 4pm
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB
Tickets: Adults - £17, Child (2-15) - £9.50, Under 2s - Free
Scotland’s largest Bonfire Night bash is the Fawkes Festival at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre. Expect over 15,000 people, a jaw-dropping fireworks and laser show, and live tunes from the legendary Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Throw in street food, fairground rides, and a festival atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself one cracking night out.
Don’t miss our full guide to this event: Edinburgh Fawkes Festival 2024: Scotland's Biggest Bonfire Night Event
6. Old Down Country Park Low-Noise Fireworks
When: Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th November 2024
Where: Old Down Estate, Tockington, BS32 4PG
Tickets: From £9
If you love the sparkle of fireworks but could do without the bangs, Old Down Country Park is where you need to be. Their low-noise display is perfect for little ones, pets, or anyone who prefers a quieter evening. With two sessions a night and plenty of family-friendly entertainment, it's a relaxed and fun alternative to the louder events—ideal for those who want to enjoy the spectacle without the earplugs.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening near Bristol.
7. The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary
When: Tuesday 5th November 2024
Where: Ottery St Mary, Devon
Tickets: Free
Want something a bit more, shall we say, fiery? Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels tradition is a one-of-a-kind, high-energy, fire-fuelled spectacle. Flaming barrels are carried through the streets in an ancient tradition, and it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. With no fireworks but plenty of flames, it’s a full-on fire festival that brings massive crowds and a real sense of history to Bonfire Night.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening the South West of England.
8. Newquay Fireworks at WAX Gym
When: Saturday, 2nd November 2024
Where: Newquay Sports & Community Centre, Tretherras Road TR7 2SL
Tickets: Early Bird tickets - £3.50, Under 12s - Free
Newquay’s biggest fireworks display is back, and it’s going all out. With six bars, a beer festival, and even a 40ft cinema screen, this is more than just a fireworks show—it’s a full evening of entertainment. Funfair rides, street food, a DJ, and an after-party will keep you buzzing long after the last firework has fizzled out. If you're in Cornwall, this is the one to catch.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in the South West of England.
9. Manchester Firework Extravaganza
When: Friday - Sunday, 1st - 3rd November 2024, Gates open at 5:30pm
Where: Mayfield Park, Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
Tickets: Adult (17+) - £12, Child (3-16) - £8, Under 3's - Free
Mayfield Park in Manchester is turning Bonfire Night into a three-night affair, with fireworks, sparklers, and delicious local food and drink. Each night promises a 10-minute fireworks display to dazzle the crowds, alongside live music and mulled wine to warm you up. Whether you go for the atmosphere or the treats, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy.
Explore the other top bonfire night events happening the North of England of England.
10. Sophiaworks 2024, Cardiff
When: Sunday, 3rd November 2024
Where: Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9XR
Tickets: Standing Tickets: Adults - £12, Under 17s: £5 | Seated Tickets: Adults - £15, Under 17s - £9
Cardiff’s biggest Bonfire Night, Sophiaworks, has everything you could want—live music, funfair rides, and of course, a jaw-dropping fireworks display. Hosted by Vibe 107.6FM, the night promises great entertainment from local bands, plenty of family-friendly fun, and food and drink to keep the whole crew happy. Perfect for a classic night of fireworks and festivities.
Don’t miss our full guide to this event: Sophiaworks 2024: Cardiff's Biggest Bonfire Night & Fireworks Display is Back
Put On Your Own Epic Bonfire Night Event
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