Top 10 Organised Bonfire Night Firework Displays Across the UK for 2026
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026, but many of the biggest organised fireworks events take place on the following weekend. From Lewes’s torchlit traditions to large park shows in London, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the occasion without running your own display.
The numbers are a guide to the list, not a measured ranking by attendance or firework size. Dates and details were checked against event organisers or official destination pages in September 2026. Always use the linked event page before booking or travelling, as times and programmes can change.
1. Lewes Bonfire Night, East Sussex
Best for Historic Processions
When: Thursday 5 November 2026.
Lewes is the choice for visitors who want much more than a single firework display. Its bonfire societies bring torchlit processions and traditions into the streets on the night itself. Expect very large crowds and a town shaped by road closures. This is an event to plan carefully, not one to arrive at without checking travel arrangements. Read the council’s Lewes Bonfire travel advice before setting out.
2. Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival, London
Best for a Full Festival Evening
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026.
Alexandra Palace pairs its fireworks with a wider festival in north London. The organiser lists Saturday as party night, with an 8pm display, and Sunday as family fun day, with a 6pm display. Expect entertainment across the palace grounds as well as views over the London skyline. See the festival’s event page for the current programme and tickets.
3. Battersea Park Fireworks, London
Best for a Big London Park Show
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026.
Wandsworth Council’s Battersea Park event offers two different evenings. Saturday features a later display and party programme; Sunday has an earlier fireworks start and family-focused entertainment. The organiser’s information page currently estimates fireworks at 8.30pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday, with entry closing earlier. The official Battersea Park Fireworks site has entry, access and programme details.
4. Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Kent
Best for a Castle Backdrop
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026.
A fireworks display beside Leeds Castle makes a very different evening from a city park event. The 2026 show is planned around songs about time, with fireworks choreographed to music. Tickets and any daytime access conditions should be checked when booking. Find the latest programme on the Leeds Castle event page.
5. Bonfire Night on Plymouth Hoe, Devon
Best for a Free Waterfront Setting
When: Thursday 5 November 2026.
Plymouth’s Hoe puts the bonfire and fireworks against the backdrop of Plymouth Sound. The official visitor page lists the bonfire at 7pm and fireworks at 7.30pm, launched from the Royal Citadel. Fairground attractions and food give visitors a reason to arrive earlier. See the Visit Plymouth event information for the latest timings.
6. Southampton Fireworks: The Pop Explosion, Hampshire
Best for Pop Music by the Water
When: Saturday 7 November 2026.
Mayflower Park hosts Southampton’s waterfront fireworks celebration. The event ticket listing calls its 2026 theme “The Pop Explosion” and describes fireworks set to pop music. Food, entertainment and fairground rides add to the evening, while Southampton Water gives the setting its character. Timings shown by different event listings may vary, so use the current ticket page before making travel plans.
7. Ascot Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday, Berkshire
Best for Racing and Fireworks Together
When: Saturday 31 October 2026.
Ascot starts the celebrations before November with an autumn raceday followed by fireworks after racing. It is a useful choice for families who want a full afternoon at one venue, with fairground activities listed alongside the race programme. The organiser’s booking system lists the raceday for 31 October. Check the Ascot Racecourse event listings for admission and the latest schedule.
8. Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks, Gloucestershire
Best for a Charity Show with Music
When: Saturday 7 November 2026.
Cheltenham Round Table’s racecourse event raises money for local good causes. The 2026 programme describes a show choreographed to music inspired by fantasy and adventure on screen, with a family funfair and food stalls. The racecourse lists gates opening at 4.30pm and fireworks beginning at 7pm. Use the Cheltenham Racecourse event page when planning your visit.
9. Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks, Hampshire
Best for a Torchlit City Tradition
When: Saturday 7 November 2026.
Winchester Round Table plans a torchlit procession through the city, followed by a bonfire and fireworks at North Walls Recreation Ground. The procession is free to join, but the display ground requires a wristband ticket. The organiser currently lists a 6pm procession, a 7.15pm bonfire and fireworks at 7.45pm. Check the Winchester Bonfire organiser’s page for ticket and access details.
10. Guildford Lions Fireworks Festival, Surrey
Best for a Community Charity Event
When: Saturday 7 November 2026.
Guildford Lions have confirmed the return of their Fireworks Festival. The event raises funds for local community projects, so it is a good choice if you want an organised show with a charitable purpose. Check the location, entry arrangements and final schedule before setting off. Start with the Guildford Lions event page.
How to Choose Your 2026 Bonfire Night Event
For a traditional town celebration, start with Lewes or Winchester. For an earlier family outing, compare Ascot and the Sunday programmes at Alexandra Palace or Battersea. Leeds Castle offers a historic setting, while Plymouth and Southampton give you waterside views. Cheltenham and Guildford connect their displays with local charity work.
Check the organiser’s latest page for tickets, accessibility, transport and weather updates. Arrive in time to use the designated viewing area. If you prefer a display at home, make a separate plan based on your outdoor space and the instructions on each firework rather than copying the scale of an organised event.
FAQs About UK Bonfire Night Displays in 2026
When is Bonfire Night in 2026?
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026. Several organised events take place over the following weekend, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November.
Which displays take place on 5 November itself?
Lewes Bonfire Night and Bonfire Night on Plymouth Hoe are listed for Thursday 5 November 2026. Check their event pages for access and travel arrangements.
Are any of these events free?
Plymouth’s public Hoe celebration is listed as a free event. Winchester’s torchlit procession is free to join, but entry to its bonfire and fireworks ground requires a wristband. Check current terms for each event.
Which London events run on two nights?
Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park both list events for Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. Their two nights have different schedules and entertainment.
Where can I see fireworks before 5 November?
Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday is scheduled for Saturday 31 October 2026, ahead of Bonfire Night itself.
