Steeped in both tradition and fun, Bonfire Night (or Guy Fawkes Night) is one occasion on the social calendar that you won't want to miss! Each year, London's skies light up with fantastic displays of colourful fireworks, alongside large roaring fires and plenty of sparklers.
Popular among friends and families alike, Bonfire Night is an event that requires a touch of preparation to ensure the best possible time, so we've compiled a list below of the best Bonfire Night fireworks in London.
From north to south and east to west, we've got you covered with the top locations for Bonfire Night across London.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night in London?
Each year, London marks the historic moment when Guy Fawkes and his motley crew attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I in the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605.
It is still customary today for the cellars in the Houses of Parliament to be searched by the Yeoman of the Guard before each State Opening of Parliament.
The day became known as Guy Fawkes Day or Guy Fawkes Night, but it's now more commonly called Bonfire Night.
When is Bonfire Night?
As follows the tradition, Bonfire Night is celebrated every year on or around 5 November. Bonfires are usually lit on which effigies known as “guys” are burned, while the skies are filled with colourful fireworks. It’s also a time to enjoy traditional Bonfire Night food and drink, alongside music, funfairs and family activities.
Top tips for Fireworks Night in London
Follow these top tips to make sure your Bonfire Night goes off with a bang:
- Book your tickets ahead to guarantee entry: many London fireworks events are usually ticketed and can be bought in advance.
- Take cash, as some vendors at London Bonfire Night fireworks displays are cash-only.
- Enjoy more than just the fireworks! There are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy, plus seasonal food and drink at most events.
- Wrap up warm to enjoy a whole evening of fun.
Find what's on offer across London for Bonfire Night below.
Best Bonfire Night fireworks in London
Since Bonfire Night is celebrated on a nationwide scale, there are plenty of Bonfire Night events to attend in the capital city. Displays are usually immense and impressive, with tickets required in advance if you're visiting one of the larger events. Food and drink are usually available also, meaning you can really make a night out of the occasion.
1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Head to one of north London's best vantage points for a night of fun at the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival. One of the top Bonfire Night events in London, in 2024 activities at Ally Pally's fireworks included a German beer festival, DJ sets from StrEATlife, Artful Dodger and The Cuban Brothers, ABBA and Oasis tribute acts and even a dazzling drone show to accompany the fireworks.
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
2. Wimbledon Park fireworks
Witness one of two breathtaking displays of pyrotechnics at the Wimbledon Park fireworks, where music and fireworks combine to create a dramatic show. In 2024, the eco-conscious fireworks returned, joined by a street food village full of mouth-watering food and drink.
Where: Wimbledon, London SW19 7HR
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
3. Bonfire Night fireworks Morden Park
A similar event to the Wimbledon fireworks, this musical-themed fireworks in Morden Park takes place each year. Enjoy music and funfair rides, and tuck into warming food and drink from the street food village.
Where: London Road, Morden SM4 5HE
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
4. Dulwich Firework Display
Head to the annual Dulwich Firework Display in south east London for live music, Indian food, BBQ and more. This spectacular fireworks display at Dulwich Sports Club is usually busy thanks to its "kids for a quid" tickets, so be sure to book well in advance!
Where: Dulwich Park College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BQ
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
5. Battersea Park Fireworks
Join thousands of revellers as this pretty park is illuminated with a huge bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display every year. Tuck into food and drink from the restaurants and bars at nearby Battersea Power Station, before enjoying the Battersea fireworks display on the banks of the river Thames.
Where: Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea, London SW11 4NJ
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
6. Beckenham Charity Fireworks in the Park
Take the kids to Beckenham Charity Fireworks in the Park at Croydon Road Recreation Ground, which has plenty of family entertainment each year. Choose between a quieter firework show earlier on, or the big bangs of the main display later in the evening. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy a range of food and drink stalls and the funfair.
Where: Beckenham Hill Road, Beckenham BR3 1U
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
7. Barnes Sports Club fireworks
Head to leafy Barnes in south-west London for the annual Bonfire Night display at Barnes Sports Club. Alongside a traditional bonfire and fireworks display, there's usually a "Best Guy" competition (winner gets to light the bonfire!), BBQ, bar and music from a DJ. Last year visitors could purchase glow in the dark toys and sparklers for a fun bonfire night with the family.
Where: 261 Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9QL
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
8. Ealing Cricket Club fireworks display
Fireworks, BBQ, pizza and curry... expect a Bonfire Night extravaganza at the Ealing Cricket Club fireworks display. Raising money for the cricketing community in the local area, this west London Bonfire Night also includes candy floss, kids' rides and family entertainment. In 2024, the theme was "fireworks go pop", with the display set to iconic pop hits.
Where: 2 Corfton Road, Ealing W5 2HS
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
9. Brent and Harrow fireworks display
Enjoy two celebrations in one at the Brent and Harrow fireworks display in Byron Park, when Diwali and Guy Fawkes share centre stage on Bonfire Night. In 2024, visitors enjoyed a thrilling display of fireworks, plus a funfair and a variety of food and drink outlets.
Where: Byron Park Peel Rd, Harrow HA3 7QX
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
10. Kempton Park Racecourse fireworks
Experience one of the biggest firework displays in west London at Kempton Park Racecourse. You’ll find thrilling rides, DJ sets, warming food and a themed firework display set to top tunes, which are sure to impress!
Where: Staines Road East, Sunbury-On-Thames TW16 5AQ
Date: Check back in 2025 for more information
Time: Check back in 2025 for more information
Where is the best place to watch London fireworks?
The best place to watch London fireworks can depend on a number of factors, including the weather and your vantage point. Free locations such as Primrose Hill are great for watching the fireworks due to their clear view of the city, however, they can get very busy.
To guarantee a positive experience, we recommend attending one of the larger events such as the Battersea Park Fireworks or the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival.
If you're looking for a "Bonfire Night near me" and local firework displays, download the Visit London app.
NYE fireworks in London
Bonfire Night in London is not the only large-scale London fireworks event. At the end of the year, London’s largest annual fireworks display usually takes place: London New Year’s Eve Fireworks.
