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 – the day became known as Guy Fawkes Day, or more commonly Bonfire Night.
Every November, bonfires are 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.
Find out
where to watch some of the best local firework displays in London on Bonfire
Night: the below displays were some of our favourites in 2017, check back closer to the time for London's top 2018 Bonfire Night displays.
Central London
Battersea Park fireworks
Join the thousands of revellers as this pretty park is illuminated with a huge bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display timed to music. Tuck into food and drink from the various stalls or enjoy the family activities at the Battersea Park fireworks display on the banks of the river Thames.
Southwark's fireworks night
Southwark's fireworks night draws in around 30,000 people every year, making it one of the largest displays in the city. With a setting along the south bank of the river Thames and with a funfair, plenty of food, drink and family entertainment on offer, it’s a great place to see your first Bonfire Night fireworks display in London. Early booking is advised as tickets usually sell out in advance.
South London
Lambeth fireworks
A magical night is in store for visitors to Lambeth fireworks in Brockwell Park. Expect a dazzling firework display in time to popular soundtracks, alongside a tempting array of street vendors, live music and entertainment at this south London Bonfire Night festival.
Beckenham fireworks
Head to Beckenham fireworks at Croydon Road Recreation Ground for plenty of family fun. Choose between a quiet firework show, or the big bangs of the main display later in the evening. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy Bonfire Night food, the funfair and face painting for the kids.
East London
Blackheath fireworks
Set in one of London’s largest outdoor spaces, the Blackheath fireworks make a great evening out for family and friends looking to enjoy the fireworks in London in a buzzing atmosphere. Regularly hosting more than 80,000 people, it’s one of the largest Bonfire Night events in London. And what’s more it’s free - leaving you plenty of change to indulge in some seasonal treats.
Victoria Park fireworks
Head over to the Victoria Park fireworks for an evening of Bonfire Night fun. Keep warm with snacks from the food and drink stalls, before the free fireworks display lights up the skies over east London.
North London
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
With views stretching across London and plenty of family activities to enjoy, the annual two-day Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival has become one of the top Bonfire Night events in London. With activities ranging from a German beer festival to funfairs and ice skating, there’s always plenty for all ages at this fireworks show.
Brent fireworks night
Watch fireworks shimmer over Wembley Stadium’s iconic arch at the Brent fireworks night display in Wembley Park. See the stunning fireworks display set to music, and enjoy family entertainment and delicious food stalls. This free event in north west London sets Guy Fawkes Night off with a bang.
Guy Fawkes Festival and Fireworks
There are few better places to celebrate Bonfire Night than at the Royal Gunpowder Mills in north east London. The Guy Fawkes Festival and Fireworks event is full of daytime activities: take the opportunity to learn all about the Gunpowder Plot and discover plenty of Guy Fawkes facts through theatre shows and expert-led talks, before the fireworks finale.
West London
Kempton Park Racecourse fireworks
As one of the biggest firework displays in west London, the Kempton Park Racecourse firework spectacular is sure to impress. Thrilling rides, a DJ and lots of warming food to dig into add to the fun of the firework display set to top tunes.
NYE fireworks in London
Bonfire Night in London is not the only large-scale fireworks London event. At the end of the year London’s largest annual fireworks display takes place: London New Year’s Eve fireworks. Find out more about the London NYE fireworks, including how to get London fireworks tickets.