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.

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival

When: 31st October and 1st November 2025
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Tickets:  Adult: £18, Child: £6.50-£12

A real heavyweight on the Bonfire Night scene, Alexandra Palace, or "Ally Pally" as the locals call it, hosts one of the most spectacular displays in the city. Known as the ‘Glastonbury of Fireworks’, the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is an iconic event in North London. Set against the stunning backdrop of Alexandra Palace, this two-day celebration is more than just fireworks—it’s an entire festival. Expect live music, a German beer festival, ice skating, and street food. The fireworks themselves are some of the most spectacular in the city, attracting thousands every year.

Don’t miss our full guide to Alexandra Palace's Fireworks Festival & Drone Festival

Lewes Bonfire Night

When: Wednesday 5th November 2025
Where: Lewes, West Sussex
Tickets: Free

Lewes Bonfire Night is arguably the most famous and largest Bonfire Night celebration in the UK. This historical event is known for its spectacular parades, effigy burnings, and epic firework displays. The night is steeped in tradition, with multiple bonfire societies marching through the streets in costume, carrying flaming torches. Expect everything from Viking boats to giant effigies of political figures being torched. Lewes pulls in massive crowds every year, so arrive early and some planning ahead are essential. This one’s not your standard family-friendly affair—it’s a bold, boisterous, and intense celebration of history and fireworks.

Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in Sussex

Battersea Park Fireworks

When: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November 2025
Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Tickets: Adult: £14.20, Child (5-15yrs): £9.50, Under 5s: Free

Another iconic spot for fireworks, Battersea Park’s annual display is one of the most popular in London, often drawing crowds in the tens of thousands. It's a big, dramatic display set against the Thames, with music to match and has earned its title as the biggest and brightest display in South London. Saturday offers a party atmosphere, with pre-and post-show entertainment and a Whizzbang Wonderland staying open until 11:30 pm. For families, the Sunday night show is ideal, with fireworks earlier in the evening and the Wonderland open until 9:30 pm. It's orchestrated by the same team behind London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and tickets tend to sell out quickly for this one, so it’s definitely one to book early.

Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in London.

Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular

When: 7th-9th November 2025
Where: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
Tickets: Online from £37

Prepare to be amazed at Alton Towers’ Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular, where the breathtaking display marks the perfect way to end the season. Alongside the fireworks, you’ll have the chance to experience the resort’s heart-pounding rollercoasters and attractions after dark. With the rides open late these events offers a unique blend of adrenaline-fueled fun and unforgettable entertainment for the whole family.

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Fawkes Festival, Edinburgh

When: Sunday, 2nd November 2025
Where: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB
Tickets: Adults: £14, Child (2-15): £9, Under 2s - Free

If you're after the biggest Bonfire Night bash in Scotland, look no further than the Fawkes Festival at the Royal Highland Centre. With 15,000 people expected, this event is set to be a roaring good time, featuring a spectacular fireworks and laser show that'll leave you wide-eyed and slack-jawed. Enjoy live music and take a spin on the fairground rides.

Don’t miss our full guide to this event: Fawkes Festival Edinburgh: Your Complete Guide to Scotland’s Ultimate Bonfire Night Party

Newquay Fireworks at WAX Gym

When: Saturday, 1st November 2025
Where: Newquay Sports & Community Centre, Tretherras Road TR7 2SL
Tickets: Early Bird tickets - £3.50, Under 12s - Free

NQY Fireworks are back, and they’re going BIG for 2025 with Newquay’s biggest fireworks display. Expect six bars, five food vendors, a beer festival, massive marquee, funfair rides, and even a 40ft cinema screen to keep everyone entertained. With a DJ and after-party to round off the night, this is one fireworks event that really does have it all.

Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in the South West of England

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

When: Wednesday 5th November 2025
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.

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Bristol Fireworks Fiesta

When: Saturday 8th November 2025
Where: Canford Park, Canford Lane
Tickets: Standard tickets £12, Under 3s: Free

Ready for the city’s biggest firework show? This event promises a display to remember, courtesy of Skyburst, the 2023 British Firework Championships winners. There’s family entertainment throughout the evening, including music, food stalls, and Party Peeps will once again be providing family fun, music and entertainment throughout the evening at this year’s event, culminating in a post-display family foam party, so be sure to stick around once the fireworks have finished.

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Manchester Firework Extravaganza

When: Friday - Sunday, 1st - 3rd November 2025, Gates open at 5:30pm
Where: Mayfield Park, Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
Tickets: Adult (17+): £10, Child: from £6

Get ready for three nights of spectacular fireworks at Mayfield Park, where over 200,000 visitors have already experienced the magic. Each night will feature a 0-minute fireworks display, complete with free sparklers for the kids. You can indulge in delicious food and drinks from local traders, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, and candy floss, all set to a backdrop of music and the park scenery.

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Sophiaworks, Cardiff

When: Sunday, 5th November 2025
Where: Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9XR
Tickets: Adults: £15, Under 17s: £9

This annual event is packed with family fun, music, and a dazzling fireworks display. Before the fireworks, kids can enjoy funfair rides, bungee trampolines, and a bouncy slide, with plenty of food and drink to keep everyone going.

Explore the other top bonfire night events happening in Wales