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Guy Fawkes Night… one of the UK’s most cherished, if somewhat unusual, traditions. A night where communities gather around large fires and set off colourful pyrotechnics to commemorate a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament hundreds of years ago.
But regardless of why we celebrate, there’s no denying that bonfire night is one of the best nights of the year in the UK. Who doesn’t enjoy standing around a roaring fire in your cosiest jumper with a cup of mulled wine in hand as a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky!?
There are countless stunning fireworks displays and exciting events taking place all across the country each November. But let’s be honest, the very best fireworks displays are right here in London!
Not sure where to celebrate this year? Below are some of the best fireworks displays in London for bonfire night 2023…
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
As much as I don’t like playing favourites (okay, maybe I do a little!), us Londoners can all agree that Alexandra Palace is THE place to go for Bonfire Night in London.
The iconic north London venue hosts one of the biggest and most exciting fireworks night parties in the city, with a huge bonfire, a street food village, the UK’s largest German beer festival, live tribute acts and DJs all night, family fairground rides, a mind-blowing light show, and – of course – their legendary fireworks display timed to a live DJ set.
Plus why not top off your night with a whizz around the ice rink at Aly Paly’s famous ice disco?
The fireworks display starts at 9pm on Friday and 8pm on Saturday. The venue gets particularly busy around these times so it’s best to arrive in advance to find a good place to sit or stand.
- When: Friday 3rd Nov 2023 6-10.45pm / Saturday 4th Nov 2023 4-10.30pm
- Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
- Nearest station: Alexandra Palace
- How much: Adults £17 / Kids 11-15 £11.50 / Kids under 10 £4.50
- Buy tickets: Here.
- Good to know: The German Beer Festival (18+) and Ice Rink require additional tickets. You can book these in a package with your fireworks tickets online.
Battersea Park Fireworks
Every November, Battersea Park is home to one of the biggest and best fireworks displays in London. And 2023 is certainly no exception. This year, Wandsworth Council is doubling its efforts with two whole nights of Bonfire Night festivities on the south bank of the River Thames.
Saturday night will see a traditional bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display, alongside plenty of tasty autumnal street food, lots of mulled wine, and glow-in-the-dark face paint for all ages.
Sunday night is family night, with an earlier start time and a special fire show and fireworks display tailored towards younger children (think fewer big explosions). Don’t worry, there will still be plenty of mulled wine for parents too!
- When: Saturday 4th Nov 2023, 6pm / Sunday 5th Nov 2023, 5pm
- Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
- Nearest station: Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station, Queenstown Road
- How much: Adults £12.30 / Kids 5-15 £8.25 / Under 5’s free
- Buy tickets: Here.
Wimbledon Park Musical Fireworks
This November, Wimbledon Park is putting on not just one but two amazing “musical fireworks” displays in one night.
The earlier show will take place at 6.45pm and is more suitable for children and families, with a ‘magic’ musical theme. The later show takes place at 8.30pm with a ‘one hit wonders’ theme, featuring big tunes from over the decades.
You can also enjoy the large bonfire, funfair rides, and a delicious selection of food and drinks from the street food village.
- When: Sat 4th Nov 2023, 5:15pm & 7:15pm
- Where: Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon, London, SW19 8AU
- Nearest station: Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon, Southfields
- How much: Adults £10.70 / Kids 5-15 £8.02 / Kids under 5 free
- Buy tickets: Here.
- Good to know: Tickets are only valid for one show. The venue is cleared before the second entry time. So you can’t book for the early display and stay for the late display too.
Morden Park Musical Fireworks
Modern Park Musical Fireworks is the twin event of Wimbledon Park (above), with the exact same two-show format – just taking place on Sunday night instead.
- When: Sun 5th Nov 2023, 5:15pm & 7:15pm
- Where: Morden Park, Lower Morden Ln, Morden SM4
- Nearest station: Modern, Morden South, South Merton, St Helier
- How much: Adults £10.70 / Kids 5-15 £8.02 / Kids under 5 free
- Buy tickets: Here.
Barnes Bonfire Night
Barnes Bonfire Night is perhaps best known for its annual “Best Guy” competition – the winner of which gets to light the bonfire on the night.
As well as the traditional bonfire, the popular community event also features a BBQ selling hot dogs and burgers, a large bar with plenty of mulled wine, sparklers and glowsticks, a live DJ, and a fantastic fireworks display.
The fireworks don’t usually start until after 7:30pm. But it’s still worth heading to the sports club a little earlier to enjoy the bonfire and live performance by legendary band The Connection (6-7pm).
- When: Saturday 4th Nov 2023, 5:30-9:30pm
- Where: Barnes Sports Club, 261 Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9QL
- Nearest station: Barnes Bridge
- How much: Adults £16.50 / Kids £5.50
- Buy tickets: Here.
Dulwich Firework Display
Dulwich Sports Club hosts one of the most popular family-friendly fireworks night events in south London, thanks to its “kids for a quid” deal. Yes, kids under 16 can join the festivities for just £1!
The family-orientated event starts early at 5pm, with a live band playing family favourites until around 7pm when the night cumulates with a marvelous 20-minute fireworks display.
There’s no bonfire at this event. But the sports club does promise a wide selection of food and drink stalls on the night, including pizza, BBQ, Indian, mulled wine, real ale, and more.
- When: Saturday 4th Nov 2023, 5-7:30pm
- Where: Dulwich Sports Club, Giant Arches Road, London SE24 9HP
- Nearest station: Herne Hill, North Dulwich, West Dulwich
- How much: Adults £11.50 / Kids under 16 £1!
- Buy tickets: Here.
Sankeys “Fire in the Sky” Party
If you’re looking for a boozy London fireworks night event just for adults, head to mega-club Studio 338 on Greenwich Peninsula for its legendary annual “Fire In The Sky” fireworks night special.
Hosted by Sankeys, the late-night rave starts with an epic fireworks display in the night sky above the venue’s glass-roofed terrace, while a fantastic line-up of house and techno DJs continue the party until the early hours of the morning.
This is one of London’s most popular fireworks night parties, so make sure to book your ticket before it sells out!
- When: Saturday 4th Nov 2023, 8pm to 6am
- Where: Studio 338, 338 Boord St, London SE10 0PF
- Nearest station: North Greenwich
- How much: Anytime entry £25, after 2am (no fireworks) £10
- Buy tickets: Here.
- Good to know: The party is 18+ only. Don’t forget your ID!
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Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.
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