The best Bonfire Night events and fireworks in London
Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason, why gunpowder treason. Should ever be forgot…
It’s that time of year again, when we launch beautiful rockets of exploding light into the air, in commemoration of the fateful night back in 1605 when Guy Fawkes was arrested for his role in the attempted assassination of King James I, otherwise known as the infamous Gunpowder Plot. The annual country-wide Bonfire Night festivities include (but are not limited to) the burning of massive bonfires, normally accompanied by fireworks displays and food. If you’re in the UK during Novemeber, make sure to try and see the fireworks in London at one of these amazing Bonfire Night events.
Lewes, East Sussex – 5th November

Okay, truth be told, Lewes is not hugely close to London, but is definitely worth the trip. The night is held in the small historic town in East Sussex, and is a big deal. It’s always held on the actual 5th of November, unless it falls on a Sunday, and the Lewes Bonfire also commemorates the burning of a group of Protestant Martyrs from the town. The whole place practically shuts down and is consumed by the UK’s largest Bonfire Night event, complete with processions, banners and explosions.
Alexandra Palace – 7th November
North London is celebrating this year’s bonfire night in style with the fantastic Fireworks Festival at Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally). 50,000 people are expected to attend so prepare for a wild night! The amazing views, laser show, art, food stalls, mulled wine, rides, music and of course legendary fireworks are sure to give you a night to remember.
Victoria Park – 7th November

East London’s beautiful Victoria Park is not only offering fun-filled Bonfire Night, but has actually been repeatedly voted as Londoner’s favourite park. They haven’t done a fireworks night since 2010, so this musical extravaganza is set to be back with a bang.
Battersea Park – 7th November

South London’s award-winning Jubilee Fireworks display. This year the event’s theme is “A Royal Night Out” and promises to be quite the British shin dig. Of course there’s all the usual trimmings, and this time around there will be some new street food pop-up stands. Yum!
Hackney Firework Pyromusical – 7th November
What more could you want from a Bonfire Night event than great music, delicious food, flowing drinks and of course, fire, fire and more fire! In addition to all the colourful explosions in the sky, you can see demonstrations by fire-walkers and aerialists. Don’t miss out on this incredible night!
Blackheath – 7th November

The four Fs: fireworks, food, funfair, FREE entry. Need I say more? The Blackheath fireworks display in Lewisham is massive, with 100,000 people expected to turn up this year! This one is definitely an all-day affair, with festivities kicking off around 4:30pm and lasting well into the night.
Lord Mayor’s Show – 14th November
The Lord Mayor is an annually elected representative of the City of London, and is celebrated in awesome fashion with a parade and fireworks. This year is actually the 800th anniversary of the event, and promises to be spectacular, with music, dancing, costumes, a river pageant, and of course fireworks on the agenda. It takes place a week or so after the traditional night across several different London locations so check out the details here!
Thanks to Dominic Alves, TJStamp, Ewan Munro, Giggling Gigi and Tom Gilbert for their awesome Flickr pictures.
What’s your favourite part of the Bonfire Night events in London, and how do the fireworks in London compare to other places around the world? Tell us below.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.