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Alexandra Palace has been lighting up London's skies with its legendary fireworks displays for years, and this year's installment promises to be bigger and better than ever. On November 4 and November 5, they're planning a two-day celebration complete with a German beer festival, a Day of the Dead parade, and two nights of spectacular firework displays. We've rounded up five things you won't want to miss.
1. A huge firework and laser display
Celebrate bonfire night with a seriously big bang at Alexandra Palace’s hugely popular firework display. From 8pm on November 4 and 9pm on November 5, they’ll be kicking off their impressive fireworks display and laser show, all against the backdrop of some pretty sweet panoramic views of London thanks to the palace's unique vantage point. Get ready for lots of ‘oooohs’ and ‘aaaahs’.
2. The German Bier Festival
Oktoberfest might be over come November but you can carry on the boozy fun at this two-day German Bier Festival extravaganza. Bavarian waitresses will be serving up German beer by the bucketload (okay, not literally) and they'll have entertainment from a traditional oompah band. They've even snuck in a craft beer bar because, well, this is London after all. If all that beer gets you in the mood for dancing, Club De Fromage DJs will be taking over the decks and spinning cheesy pop classics throughout the weekend. And because every festival needs a headliner, they'll have a David Bowie tribute act on Friday and a Queen tribute act on Saturday. Start practicing your 'Bohemian Rhapsody' rendition now.
3. Day of the Dead parade
If a huge fireworks display and a German beer festival weren't enough, there's also a shiny new addition to the line-up - an epic Day of the Dead parade. Expect New Orleans-style marching bands, a 20-piece drum troupe, fire dancers and giant illuminated skeletons. They've even called in the Day of the Dead puppets used in the latest James Bond flick, so you know it's going to be good.
4. Ice skating (and an ice disco!)
Get your skates on at Alexandra Palace’s iconic ice rink, where they’ll have public sessions throughout the day. Fun fact: it’s the biggest ice rink in London, so there’s plenty of space for you to show off your skills (or cling to the sides trying not to fall over). If you’re feeling really confident in your ice skating prowess, there will be an ice disco in the evening if you fancy throwing some shapes on ice.
5. A giant bonfire
If all that ice skating has got you feeling the chill, you can hotfoot it over to the giant bonfire to keep warm. The roaring fire will be in the family area, where you can warm your cockles with a glass of mulled wine and keep the kids entertained with funfair rides and face painting.
The fireworks festival is November 4 and November 5, but tickets are selling out pretty swiftly - book yours here.
You'll also need to book separate tickets for the German Bier Festival and the ice skating sessions.
