“Remember remember the first week of November!”
On 5th November this year people across the UK will light bonfires, let off fireworks, and burn effigies of a man named Guy Fawkes. The reason they do this is that it is the anniversary of The Gunpowder Plot (1605); a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London by a group of dissident Catholics.
In 1603, Protestant James I became King of England. His predecessor Queen Elizabeth I had repressed Catholicism in England. Many Catholics hoped that James, being the son of the late Catholic Mary Queen of Scots, would be more sympathetic to their plight. He wasn’t and continued to carry out persecutions against them.
When is Bonfire Night?
The main firework action takes places on Monday, November 5th 2018, although events will run before and afterwards. Start planning your night of pyrotechnic fun using our listings below.
Where are the best firework displays in London?
Firework displays take place across the whole of London. Stay in your local area, or venture further afield, and pick a fireworks party that’s sure to end with a bang.
Firework Displays in London 2018! Here is our guide!
BATTERSEA PARK FIREWORKS
Book in your friends and family as the annual Battersea Park Fireworks display is back on Saturday 03 November 2018 to ignite the skies of Wandsworth inspired by this year’s theme, “Circus”.
Head over to Circus West Village at Battersea Power Station before or after the fireworks to enjoy one of the many new restaurants, bars and cafes now open in this exciting new riverside quarter. There is something for all the family to enjoy plus you’ll also be able to hop on and off the MBNA Thames Clippers River Bus at the Battersea Power Station Pier.
Gates open at and the bonfire is lit at 7.30pm by Councillor Jane Cooper, Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth. Fireworks start at, there is no entry after.
Tickets: £10.00 + booking fee
Location:
Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/whats-on/detail/battersea-park-fireworks
ALEXANDRA PALACE FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
The Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is easily one of the biggest displays in town. In fact, it’s so lofty, this year it’s happening TWICE, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of November. See impressive fireworks exploding with a glittering panoramic view of London as its backdrop while munching on street food and drinking craft beer. There is a family specific area, too.
Tickets: from £8.50
Location:
Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
LAMBETH FIREWORKS
The Lambeth Fireworks display is back in Brockwell Park this year Saturday 3rd of November and promises to be bigger and better than ever with two displays for the price of one ticket. The first will be a kids’ movies themed display and will be followed by ‘The Time Tunnel’ show – fireworks choreographed to anthems from the ’90s onwards which to take revelers on a nostalgic journey. There will also be funfair rides, bars and plenty of great food from the likes of BBQ, Mac to the Future and Le Rac Shack.
Tickets: £10
Location:
Norwood Rd, London SE24 9BJ
http://www.lambethfireworks.london/
VICTORIA PARK FIREWORKS
Also known as the Tower Hamlets Fireworks, this is one of the few remaining free fireworks events in London. The theme of the display this year is Monsters, inspired by the first science-fiction novel Frankenstein which was published two centuries ago. The firework display and accompanying soundtrack have been designed by pyrotechnics group Walk the Plank and will start Sunday 4th at 7 pm. You’ll want to arrive early to enjoy a mulled wine from one of the local stalls in the park though from 5.30 pm.
Tickets: FREE event! No booking required
Location:
Grove Rd, Bow, London E3 5TB
http://www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk/?guide=Events&cat=44&cid=67956
CRYSTAL PALACE FIREWORK DISPLAY
Gates open at 6 pm on the 5th of November. The show will be a magical display with fewer bangs for the younger audience. This will be followed by a spectacular light show. The main family fireworks display including choreographed lights will take place at 8.30pm
TWO shows one fantastic price and even better news ticket prices are the same as last year!
Tickets: £8.50
Location:
Crystal Palace, London, SE19 2EL
https://www.crystalpalacefireworks.co.uk/
BLACKHEATH FIREWORKS
As one of the capital’s rare major displays that’s still free, Blackheath attracts crowds of up to 100,000 to its all-day Guy Fawkes bash. This year’s event is on Saturday 3 November 2018.
Colourful fairground rides take over the heath from midday, food and drink stalls open at 5 pm and the fireworks kick off at 8 pm and will last for around 15 minutes. Don’t miss a wander through Blackheath Village, where the celebrations spill out into the streets.
Tickets: FREE.
Location:
Blackheath, London SE3 0TZ
https://lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/events/fireworks/Pages/default.aspx
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT IN WEMBLEY PARK
Wembley Park Fireworks Night returns on November 4th 2018 with FREE ‘Light Up The Night’ festival for all the family, to celebrate Brent’s cultural diversity in an explosion of music, colours, fire and light, which combine the best of Bonfire Night and Diwali. It will be free to members of the public, making it a unique experience for communities in Brent and London-wide.
Wembley Park’s Light Up the Night Festival will feature a packed programme of activities for everyone, including three stages with live performances and the ultimate fireworks displays across Wembley Park.
Starting at 4 pm, Light Up the Night will feature live performances, Doctor Kronovator’s Fire Laboratory – an interactive environment with nine ingenious fire installations – and a fire and light parade created by Emergency Exit Arts, culminating in a firework spectacular at 7 pm.
Tickets: FREE
Location:
Wembley Park, London, HA9 0EG
http://wembleypark.com/fireworks/
And if you miss this chance but you are still in London at the end of the year…keep in mind that 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 place: London New Year’s Eve fireworks. You must book the tickets in advance! Tickets are £10 each and you can book up to four per person. Have fun!
https://www.seetickets.com/content/london-new-years-eve-fireworks