Best Bonfire Night events and fireworks displays across the UK
Are you ready to say "oooh" and "aaah" at the best fireworks and bonfire displays across the UK? Here are the most eye-catching events taking place across the country this year.
Remember, remember the fifth of November. Everyone knows the rhyme, but how much do you actually know about Bonfire Night?
5th November 1605 was the day that Guy Fawkes was arrested for plotting to blow up the House of Lords. Catholic Fawkes and his fellow plotters had planned to assassinate the Protestant King James I. To celebrate that the King had survived, people lit bonfires around London then, months later, the day became an annual event of thanksgiving.
Nowadays, the day is less about remembering, remembering, and more about the bonfire and firework displays. And if there’s one thing the UK does well, it’s putting on a good show.
Across England, parks, stately homes and people’s back gardens will host firework displays and bonfires where fake Guy Fawkes may be burnt.
In Lewes, you’ll find marches with torched effigies of famous (or infamous) people, while Leeds and Kenilworth Castles are home of some of the best firework displays in the country. Even Alton Towers has a special bonfire event for the whole family (be sure to check out our guide on how to get cheap Alton Towers tickets).
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So, whether you’re looking for a fireworks and bonfire display near you, or you’re hoping to travel a bit further afield this November, we have some terrific events in our round-up. Let’s check them out.
Looking for something to protect your little ones this Fireworks Night? Check out Made For Mums' guide to the best baby ear defenders.
And before bonfire night, we can't forget about Halloween. These are the best UK Halloween events, and if you're staying in this year, here are the best Halloween projectors. Are you or your little ones fans of LEGO? Here are the best LEGO deals this month.
Best bonfire night events and firework displays at a glance
- Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular
- Guildford Lions Fireworks Fiesta
- Himley Bonfire and Fireworks
- The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
- LCCC Fireworks Evening
- Kenilworth Round Table Fireworks Spectacular
- Musical Fireworks Displays at Wimbledon Park
- Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival
- Bonfire & Fireworks Night, Weston-Under-Lizard
Best bonfire night events and firework displays to watch in 2023
Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular
There's only one place to be on Bonfire Night, and that's Alton Towers. The clue is in the name of this event; it promises to be dazzling and jaw-dropping. You'll not only get to enjoy the fireworks, but you'll be able to ride the rollercoasters until your head spins.
The event spans three days, from 3rd-5th November, giving you plenty of time to experience what's quickly becoming known as one of the most impressive Bonfire Night fireworks displays in the country.
Buy tickets to Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular from £25 at Alton Towers
If you fancy visiting Alton Towers over Halloween as well, check out our guide to how to get Alton Towers Scarefest tickets.
Guildford Lions Fireworks Fiesta, Guildford
Remember, remember the... 4th of November? Because that’s when Stoke Park’s Fireworks Fiesta is on!
As well as fireworks, there will be the covers band Blurasis, which sings songs from Blur, Oasis, Coldplay, and lots more. There’s also hot food, a real ale marquee, and a Munich Bierkeller.
Buy Guildford Lions Fireworks Fiesta tickets from £13.20 at See Tickets
Himley Bonfire and Fireworks, Dudley
This year, Himley Hall is hosting an A Night at the Movies-themed firework display set to Hollywood movie soundtracks. The event will also include a funfair, bonfire, and food from around the world.
Buy tickets to Himley Bonfire and Fireworks from £12.96 at See Tickets
The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
In this immersive space in the Tower of London, you’ll be transported back to 1605 to try and put a stop to the gunpowder plot. You’ll unmask the figures behind the infamous plot, then attempt to escape the Tower, find a secret safehouse, and sneak away along the Thames. This experience uses a combination of VR and live actors, so it’s ultra-realistic.
If you’re a fan of immersive experiences, then do we have a list for you! Here are the best immersive experiences in London perfect for helping you escape the everyday.
Buy The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience tickets for £110 for two at Virgin Experience Days
Buy The Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience tickets for £47.45 at Fever
LCCC Fireworks Evening, Leicester
This Leicester fireworks display is back and bigger than ever for 2023, with a fireworks display created by the award-winning Komodo Fireworks.
The Uptonsteel County Ground is hosting fireworks, light and laser displays, with plenty of rides and attractions to keep little ones entertained.
Buy LCCC Fireworks Evening tickets from £8.80 at See Tickets
Kenilworth Round Table Fireworks Spectacular, Warwickshire
Enjoy this spectacular fireworks display right outside Kenilworth Castle, one of the English Heritage castles, on Saturday 4th November. There'll also be food stalls, or you could arrive early and visit one of the charming pubs or coffee shops in the town itself.
Buy Kenilworth Round Table Fireworks Spectacular tickets from £13.98 at Eventbrite
If you’re not yet an English Heritage member, why not join so you can see amazing places like Kenilworth Castles all across the UK?
Become an English Heritage member from £57 at English Heritage
Musical Fireworks Displays at Wimbledon Park, London
On Saturday 4th November, Wimbledon Park is hosting two musical fireworks shows: a feel-good Magical fireworks show for families and a One Hit Wonders-themed show later on.
Plus, enjoy delicious bites at the street food village and a funfair.
Buy Musical Fireworks Displays at Wimbledon Park tickets from £10.70 at See Tickets
Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival, London
There’s plenty going on at Alexandra Palace this November, including the much-loved Fireworks Festival.
Set against incredible views of London, the festival includes a fireworks display, dance floor, bonfire, German Bier Fest and ice skating. Whew! We’re out of breath just writing all of that.
Buy Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival tickets from £17 at Eventim
If you fancy yourself a bit of a film-buff, here's how to get cheap cinema tickets.
Bonfire & Fireworks Night, Weston-under-Lizard
If you’re local to Weston Park, you’ll know what a fun evening the estate’s bonfire and fireworks night is! There’s a traditional funfair with rides like waltzers and a fun house, and in the centre is a giant fire. Like all good bonfire and fireworks displays, there’s tasty street food and local ale.
Buy Bonfire & Fireworks Night one car tickets from £31.50 at See Tickets
When is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night is always on the 5th November (remember, remember), and bonfire celebrations usually happen on the closest weekend to that date.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Back in 1605, the Catholic Guy Fawkes and his crew attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and the Protestant King James I on the night of 4th November. The plan failed, and Parliament declared 5th November a national day of thanksgiving.
The celebratory day, originally known as Guy Fawkes Day, first took place on 5th November 1606. Nowadays, it’s more commonly called Bonfire Night.
A lot of people ask if Bonfire Night is just a British thing, and like other weird traditions including Goose Fair, the answer is yes.
Speaking of Goose Fair, if you need an activity to fill the void after the Nottingham fair has finished, check out the best UK Christmas markets to visit this year.
For more exciting things to do this autumn and winter, take a look at our Going Out section, where we have experiences like the best West End shows and London walking tours.
