If there’s one fixture on London’s event calendar that you won’t want to miss, it’s Bonfire Night, which falls on Thursday 5 November 2026. Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, this time-honoured tradition is all about spectacular fireworks displays – but it includes funfairs, food markets and family-friendly activities, too.
To help you discover the best way to celebrate this year, our experts have curated the ultimate guide to Bonfire Night events in London for 2026. Below, you can explore pop-ups and experiences across London’s neighbourhoods, along with FAQs and top tips. Plus, if you fancy more inspiration, check out our guide to London in November.
Bonfire Night in London: The best events at a glance
- 🎇 Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival – Best for a dazzling display
- 👪 Fireworks in the Park – Best for families
- 🎤 Battersea Park fireworks – Best for music fans
- 🌭 Blackheath fireworks – Best for foodies
How we chose the best Bonfire Night events in London
We select the best Bonfire Night events in London using a combination of visitor recommendations, first-hand experience and expert tips from our Visit London authors. We consider the popularity and significance of each inclusion to ensure that we create a useful and accurate guide to what London has to offer.
10 best Bonfire Night events in London
The best Bonfire Night firework displays in London 2026
The Bonfire Night tradition dates back to 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes' deadly "gunpowder plot" was discovered. Fawkes planned to assassinate King James I using barrels of gunpowder hidden below the Palace of Westminster – but after the plan was foiled, the British public began to celebrate by lighting bonfires.
Today, Bonfire Night is marked by spectacular firework displays, but it also offers the chance to enjoy tasty street food, jump on fairground rides and gather in some of London's most popular parks. Below, you'll find our guide to Bonfire Night events in London this year.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival – Best for family-friendly autumnal fun
The annual Fireworks and Drone Festival at Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most popular Bonfire Night events – and for good reason. The jaw-dropping fireworks might be the star of the show, but there’s plenty more on offer throughout the weekend: on Saturday 7 November, you can expect live DJ sets, a Queen tribute band and a funfair, along with street food stalls and a German Bier Festival takeover in the venue’s iconic Great Hall.
Meanwhile, Sunday 8 November is dedicated to family fun, with a kids’ rave and an enormous karaoke singalong to enjoy. And if you fancy embracing the cosy autumn weather, you can look forward to giant bonfires, fairground rides, marshmallow toasting and ice skating on both days.
Best for: Spectacular fireworks and a fairground atmosphere
Good to know: The drone and firework display takes place at 8pm on Saturday 7 November and 6pm on Sunday 8 November.
Battersea Park fireworks – Best for music fans
Prepare for a party at Battersea Park on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November: alongside two dazzling displays, Battersea Park's firework event includes a host of different DJ sets plus food, drink and fairground fun.
Legendary drum and bass duo Rudimental will kick off the proceedings on Saturday night, followed by a fiery set from Conjunto Sabroso, a London-based salsa and Latin band. Round off your evening with Disco Ceilidh – a high-energy blend of Scottish dances and club classics – and return on Sunday for a pop takeover which includes a Taylor Swift tribute band. Don’t forget to explore the food stalls and bars, and leave plenty of time to jump on the funfair rides.
Best for: An action-packed night out
Good to know: Exclusive Happy Hour deals on drinks and fairground rides are available from 6pm to 7pm on Saturday and 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Sunday.
Stow Firework Spectacular – Best for family activities and live entertainment
The Stow Firework Spectacular has earned its name thanks to a crowd-pleasing combination of fire performers, funfair rides and fireworks. Running across three nights, from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 November, the event brings plenty of family fun to the grounds of Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis & Squash Club.
While you can browse street food stalls and order drinks at the bar, expect a programme designed with younger children in mind: each evening kicks off with a live fire performance at 4.30pm, followed by a “twilight display” – a shorter firework show suitable for little ones and anyone craving a calmer experience. Stay for another round of fire dancing before the main event, which consists of a full-scale firework display at 8pm.
Best for: Families looking for an early-evening celebration
Good to know: Event timings and activities are the same on every night of the event. Tickets are only available in advance, so make sure to book online before you go.
Fireworks in the Park – Best for family fun in a south-west London location
Fireworks in the Park is back with a set of stellar events this year, and family fun is guaranteed. If you fancy celebrating on Bonfire Night itself, you’ll want to nab a ticket to Wimbledon Park firework night; if you’re in need of weekend plans, however, make sure to bookmark Saturday 7 November for fireworks at Morden Park.
Both events feature two firework shows, a bar and plenty of street food stalls, plus live music and fairground rides. (The first firework display takes place at 6.45pm, while the second show begins at 8.30pm.) No matter what time you arrive, don’t miss the chance to ride on the gigantic Observation Wheel, which offers breathtaking views across south London.
Best for: Classic Bonfire Night entertainment with younger children in mind
Good to know: When booking your tickets, you’ll need to choose between the 6.45pm firework display and the 8pm display.
Blackheath fireworks – Best for foodies
Alongside the all-important fireworks, Blackheath's firework display boasts a packed programme featuring comedy sets, live drumming from the South London Samba Collective, and even a beloved ‘massaoke’ singalong. The event is renowned for its sprawling Food Village, which is occupied by more than 60 vendors this year. Whether you fancy snacks, desserts, hot drinks or street food, you’ll find something to enjoy.
Plus, while the music lineup encompasses iconic ‘90s names such as DJ Luck, MC Neat and Brandon Block, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy. Live performers including Lords of Lightning are showcasing spectacular stunts on-stage, while the funfair zone is packed with rollercoasters and attractions for all ages.
Best for: Foodies, families and anyone in the mood for a nostalgic evening
Good to know: Gates open at 5pm and the firework display begins at 8pm.
Dulwich fireworks display – Best for a laid-back celebration
Pay a visit to Dulwich Sports Club on 7 November to enjoy the Dulwich firework display – a celebration that’s perfect for families. In fact, children’s tickets start at just £1.
Expect a blend of kids’ songs and disco classics in a live music set kicking off at 5.30pm, before a magnificent firework display at 7pm. If you get peckish, you can pick up burgers, pizza and plenty of other delicious dishes from food vendors, and treat yourself to a mug of mulled wine.
Best for: A crowd-pleasing evening with a community feel
Good to know: Tickets won’t be available on the night, so you’ll need to book in advance.
Barnes Bonfire Night – Best for a traditional Fireworks Night experience
5 November is an annual highlight in this southwest London neighbourhood; taking place at Barnes Sports Club, the Barnes Bonfire Night celebration promises fireworks, live music and a brilliant barbecue.
Treat yourself to a hot dog or a mug of mulled wine and settle in for a traditional bonfire. Enjoy music from a live DJ – followed by Papa George, a local blues act – and don’t forget to stock up on sparklers and glow sticks before the firework display begins at 7.45pm.
Best for: A cosy bonfire and classic barbecue dishes
Good to know: Tickets can only be purchased online in advance, and all proceeds go to Barnes Sports Club.
Kempton Park fireworks – Best for a party in a historic location
While Kempton Park Racecourse dates as far back as 1878, it doesn’t just play host to horse races; it’s also home to the magnificent Kempton Park fireworks event.
A live DJ provides the soundtrack to the evening, while kids can look forward to fairground rides and activity stalls. Pick up seasonal snacks and hearty dishes from food vendors, tuck into drinks at the bar, and prepare for a thrill as fireworks set the sky ablaze from 7.30pm.
Best for: Thrilling entertainment in a scenic suburban spot
Good to know: Gates open at 5pm and last entry is at 7pm.
Beckenham Charity Fireworks – Best for a child-friendly celebration in south London
Enjoy family fun while supporting local organisations at Beckenham Charity Fireworks. A quieter display for younger children will begin at 6pm, with the main event getting underway at 7.30pm.
Meanwhile, a selection of food and drink options are available throughout: choose between Polish hot dogs, American deli sandwiches, jacket potatoes and more, but make sure to leave room for dessert, which includes doughnuts, waffles and candy floss.
Best for: Anyone looking for a family-friendly party with a charitable cause
Good to know: Some stalls and fairground rides are cash only, so come prepared.
Wembley and Harrow firework display – Best for a blend of Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations
With Diwali kicking off on 6 November, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than by combining the festivities with a huge Bonfire Night celebration at Wembley and Harrow's firework display. Head to Byron Park to enjoy fireworks, Diwali dances, fairground rides and food stalls.
Little ones can try out glitter tattoos, face painting and Indian henna art before taking their seats for the thrilling Fizz Kids magic show. Meanwhile, grown-ups can browse the food stalls and bars, which open as early as noon. The fireworks display begins at approximately 7.45pm.
Best for: An afternoon of family fun
Good to know: You can enjoy free entry between 12pm and 3pm.
Bonfire Night in London FAQs
Where are the best Bonfire Night fireworks in London?
The best fireworks in London include the popular Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival, alongside Battersea Park Fireworks and Blackheath Fireworks. Each of these events includes fairground rides, street food stalls and live music.Are there free Bonfire Night fireworks in London?
Most firework displays in London are ticketed and cost around £16 for an adult ticket; however, free firework displays include the Coram's Fields Fireworks Night event, which is a family-centred display in Camden.
