Bonfire Night in London: 15 best firework displays

There’s nothing like gathering in a park in the nippy nights of early November to watch a pile of flaming wood and fireworks piercing the sky. Yes, Bonfire Night – aka Guy Fawkes Night –might sound strange to those unfamiliar with it, but it’s a great British tradition and one of the highlights of the second half of the year.

Wrap up warm and get ready to head out to one of London’s many Bonfire Night and fireworks displays, where you’ll find sparkly skies, yummy street food and so much more. All together, it’ll make stepping out into the winter cold seem more than worth it.

RECOMMENDED: London Bonfire Night fireworks displays you can still get tickets for.

When is Bonfire Night in London?

As the adage goes: remember, remember the fifth of November. Bonfire Night is officially on November 5 every year, and, this year, that falls on a Tuesday. You’ll find some displays on the night itself, but most will be taking place on either the weekend before or after so you can really make the most of the fun. These days, fireworks displays are about more than bonfires and colourful skies – it’s now the norm for events to boast funfairs, food stalls and more.

Top tips for Bonfire Night in London 

• Book in advance: Some events you can just rock up to and pay on the gate; others sell out early and don’t keep tickets back for the spontaneous among us. The key to not being disappointed is being organised!
• Wrap up: The unpredictable great British weather rarely ever plays ball. It’s too early to say what exactly the heavens will decide to do in early November, but you can make an educated guess that cold temperatures and wet weather could very well be on the cards. So, make sure you bring plenty of layers, including one that’s preferably waterproof, to avoid a soggy, miserable evening. 
• Cash up: Yes, most places take cards now, but you never know, and you definitely don’t want to be stranded in a cold field with no way of buying a hot jacket potato. So, visit a cash machine before you get to your chosen display, just in case.  
• Leave the sparklers at home: As much as we love those hot, firey sticks, lots of organised bonfires won’t allow them or will only let you buy them on-site. So, save them for the garden at home. 

NOTE we’re keeping this page as up-to-date as possible as more details of displays are released – or cancelled, in the case of Lewisham Council’s Blackheath Fireworks – but for God’s sake double-check with the local organisers before you traipse along to your local recreation ground with kids/mates/dates in the freezing November twilight. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things do in London this November.