How to celebrate Bonfire Night in London 2024: 9 of the best firework displays
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Bonfire Night in London is a joyous occasion against the backdrop of chilly autumn and a marker that the tinsel-clad festivities are well and truly upon us. Up and down the UK, crowds gather to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night over trays of finger-licking street food, live entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays. The tradition goes back centuries, marking the day that Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the House of Parliament on 5 November 1605. As unusual as the custom might be, the day has transformed into an extraordinary celebration where friends and families gather to see the sky illuminated. With many incredible options across the capital, we've rounded up the best fireworks displays in London on Bonfire Night 2024. For inspiration on the weekends around the big night, see our guide on what to do in London this weekend.
What is Bonfire Night, and why do we celebrate it?
It's a bit of a curious story – Bonfire Night marks the anniversary of a (failed) attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the early 17th century. The plan was known as the Gunpowder Plot, helmed by Guy Fawkes, who wanted to blow up King James I and his government to try and restore a Catholic monarchy to England.
The best fireworks displays happening in London on Bonfire Night 2024
Battersea Park Fireworks
Battersea Park’s fireworks display has become quite the occasion recently, leading to an often sold-out two-night run. Head down on Saturday 2 November for sparks and street food. Sunday 5 November is more of a family affair with an earlier show time where grown-ups sip on mulled wine and little ones tuck into sweet treats – there's also a light display to replace the usual bonfire.
When: Saturday 2 November - Sunday 3 November
Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Tickets: Prices TBC; sign up for presale access now
Website: batterseaparkfireworks.com
Dulwich Firework Display
Hosted in Dulwich Sports Club, the event features a family-focused fireworks display and various food and drinks – burgers, pizzas, Indian delights, real ale and more. Between 5.30pm and 7pm, Matthew Lynch leads live music aimed at little ones. Fireworks go off at 7pm, come rain or shine. The event is wheelchair accessible, but contact the organisers in advance. There’s a reason why tickets tend to sell out fast, so we suggest booking early.
When: Saturday 2 November
Where: Dulwich Sports Club, Giant Arches Road, SE24 9HP
Tickets: Adults £11.50, children £1; excludes booking fees
Website: eventbrite.co.uk
Wimbledon Park Fireworks
Wimbledon Park presents an evening of fun and games, with not one but two fireworks displays (an earlier one for kids and a later show for adults) accompanied by some feel-good pop music and theme tunes. As usual, there’s a children’s funfair and food and refreshments throughout the evening.
When: Tuesday 5 November
Where: Home Park Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 8AU
Tickets: Adults £11, children £8.50, children four and under free; excludes booking fees
Website: merton.gov.uk
Morden Park Fireworks
Before Wimbledon Park’s display kicks off midweek, head to nearby Morden Park for a fireworks display that keeps to the same theme. The early, musicals-themed spectacular is aimed at kids, followed by the second 8.30pm show more suited to adults.
When: Saturday 2 November
Where: Home Park Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 8AU
Tickets: Adults £11, children £8.50, children four and under free; excludes booking fees
Website: seetickets.com
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Ally Pally always goes all-out for Guy Fawkes Night – and this year's event is no different. This Bonfire Night in London the “Glastonbury of Fireworks”, celebrations include a German beer shindig, an ice rink (with a disco session), and more to be announced – tribute acts and film screenings have been added to the line-up in recent years.
When: Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November
Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22
Tickets: Adults from £15.50
Website: alexandrapalace.com
Harrow Fireworks Display
Little ones love the funfair, dance shows, glitter tattoos and face painting at Harrow’s fireworks spectacular. Throw the expansive food arena into the mix, and you’ll have an unforgettable evening.
When: Saturday 4 November 2023, fireworks at 7.45pm
Where: Byron Park, Peel Road, Harrow, HA3 7QX
Tickets: From £6
Website: harrowfireworks.co.uk
Stow Firework Spectacular, Walthamstow
Walthamstow’s fireworks display takes place the weekend after most of the others in the capital, so it’s a great option for bonfire enthusiasts seeking some respite between Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night. Fire performers start proceedings before a low-noise display for children and a main display at 8pm. Peruse the stalls, tuck into street food and explore the family-friendly funfair before the main event.
When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 September
Where: Walthamstow Cricket Tennis and Squash Club, 48a Greenway Avenue, London E17 3QN
Tickets: Adults £8; children £4; under fours go free
Website: stowfireworkspectacular.co.uk
Crystal Palace and Anerley Fireworks
For a real family-friendly atmosphere, check out James Dixon Primary School’s event on Saturday 9 November. Under-fives go free, and under-17s cost just £6. Sip on refreshments at the community-centred event supporting the Parent Teacher Association, and look up to the skies for the main event.
When: Saturday 9 November
Where: James Dixon Primary School, London, SE20 8BW
Tickets: Adults £12; Children £6; under-fives go free
Website: ticketsource.co.uk
Richmond Family Fireworks
Richmond’s fireworks display sees thousands of bonfire enthusiasts descend on Richmond Athletic Ground each year, with organisers consistently looking to go bigger and better than the year before. It offers fun for all the family with a display composed alongside a musical spectacular, lots of food, entertainment from Studio K and Resolution Dance, and a ‘happy hour’ in the bars between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
When: Sunday 3 November
Where: Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, Richmond TW9 2SF
Tickets: Grandstand £17.50; general adults £12.50; children five to 15 £7.50
Website: rag-events.co.uk