Guy Fawkes 2017: best fireworks displays in London
Wondering where to go for fireworks in London? Bonfire Night 2017 is ablaze with impressive displays. Culture Whisper rounds up the best
Guy Fawkes 2017: best fireworks displays in London
Remember, remember: book now to make sure you don't miss out on London's firework displays this 5 November. The city will be ablaze with bright colours and bangs all weekend long. We've rounded up the best fireworks displays across London.
North London
Alexandra Palace
Friday 3 November – Laser show: 8:30pm | Fireworks: 9pm
Saturday 4 November – Laser show: 7:30pm | Fireworks: 8pm
You'd be hard pressed to find a firework festival bigger or brighter than the yearly offering from Alexandra Palace. Follow the March of the Phoenix Parade, or just partake in the Bier Festival. Families should arrive early to enjoy the ice-skating rink and the enormous family area with a bonfire and funfair. With live music and a soundtrack curated by DJ Yoda, this is a must-see for the whole family.
Click here to book your tickets
South London
Lambeth Fireworks
Saturday 4 November | 5:00 - 10:00
The Lambeth Fireworks festival is back and better than ever with this year's theme, 'Night at the Movies'. Set to a series of blockbuster soundtracks for an explosive performance, spend an evening with your loved ones enjoying the food stands and fun fair before enjoying the fireworks to the sound of some all-time favourite film scores.
Click here to book your tickets
Crystal Palace Park
Sunday 5 November | 7pm children's show | 8:30pm main event
Stop by Crystal Palace Park this Guy Fawkes Day to watch as the green space comes alive with colour. There will be two shows commemorating the gunpowder treason and plot: one for children at 7pm, with fewer bangs, but more colours, and the main event, which will take place at 8:30. All proceeds from the event will go to support St Christopher's.
Click here to book your tickets
East London
Waltham Forest
Sunday 5 November | 6:30 - 9:00
Enjoy some fresh air at Waltham Forest before the sky is set ablaze with fireworks this November. The display doesn't start until 8pm, but the gates to the food-filled fun fair open at 6:30. You might want to get there a bit earlier than that, though, to make sure you get a good spot to enjoy the festivities.
The event is free, just turn up.
Blackheath
Saturday 4 November | Funfair open from 12 noon | Food stalls open from 5pm | Fireworks start at 8pm
Photo credit: Vickie Flores
Spend the whole day enjoying the fun fair before taking pictures of fireworks you'll actually want to look back on. Starting at 5pm, families are invited to Blackheath Common to enjoy an evening of fun before settling down to watch the dazzling pyrotechnic display.
The event is free, just turn up
West London
Ealing Cricket Club
Saturday 4 November | 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
The Ealing Cricket Club will be hosting another spectacular themed fireworks display. This year, the theme is Classical, and will feature a laser show and fireworks set to live music, including Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory. This family fun event will also feature fairground rides, a BBQ, mulled wine and candy floss for an evening of festive fun.
Watch this space to book tickets
Wimbledon Park
Wimbledon Park – Saturday 4 November
Morden Park – Sunday 5 November
The London Borough of Merton will be hosting two fireworks displays for two days. First, there will be one for the little ones – less bang, more colour – with a Disney theme, set to start at 6:45pm. This will be followed by a larger 'Festival Headliners' themed display. As well as music and fireworks, there will be thrilling rides at the fun fair and delicious food available for purchase, with the festivities continuing on until 10pm.
Click here to book tickets.
Central London
Battersea Park
Saturday 4 November | 18:00 – 21:30
The legendary annual display at Battersea Park always goes off with a bang. This year's theme is 'Power'. Expect crowds and come early for a display by Jubilee Fireworks – also, as the queue for the bar is always snaking, we advise bringing along your own cans (glass is not allowed).
Book tickets early; they often sell out
Southwark Park
November 5 | 17:30 - 20:30
Attracting over 30,000 last year, Southwark Park fireworks display is one of the largest free fireworks events in London, and has been going strong for over a decade. Family activities and food and drink will be available until 8pm. Details on tickets have yet to be announced, so watch this space for updates.
Lord Mayor’s Show
11 November | 9:00am start | Fireworks at 5:15pm
For a celebration of all things traditional, the Lord Mayor’s Show never fails to entertain. The day commences with a flotilla along the Thames at 9:00am with Tower Bridge opening in salute shortly after, and later, a procession through the Square Mile featuring carriages, carts, vintage cars, steamroller, tanks, penny farthings and more. In the lull before the fireworks, guided walks around the square mile will be setting off at various times.
If that’s not for you, why not spend the day on London’s eclectic South Bank, and explore what’s on offer in the amalgam of exhibitions and events? Then head to the riverfront to watch the spectacular Thames display in the afternoon. Or, watch the display from the water by booking a special City Cruise. No need to book for this free display, but turn up early to beat the crowds.
Book tickets for Grandstand seats.
Looking for a fun, alternative spot?
If you want to watch the celebrations, but don't want to deal with the crowds, don't worry. You have options. Head up to the top floor of Heron Tower to watch London light up from the confines of Duck and Waffle. Visit the Shard's Oblix for a cocktail at their Lounge Bar and an uncluttered view of the festivities. Or, head down to Tattershall Castle, the pub on the Thames for a view that's a bit more down to earth.
North London
Alexandra Palace
Friday 3 November – Laser show: 8:30pm | Fireworks: 9pm
Saturday 4 November – Laser show: 7:30pm | Fireworks: 8pm
You'd be hard pressed to find a firework festival bigger or brighter than the yearly offering from Alexandra Palace. Follow the March of the Phoenix Parade, or just partake in the Bier Festival. Families should arrive early to enjoy the ice-skating rink and the enormous family area with a bonfire and funfair. With live music and a soundtrack curated by DJ Yoda, this is a must-see for the whole family.
Click here to book your tickets
South London
Lambeth Fireworks
Saturday 4 November | 5:00 - 10:00
The Lambeth Fireworks festival is back and better than ever with this year's theme, 'Night at the Movies'. Set to a series of blockbuster soundtracks for an explosive performance, spend an evening with your loved ones enjoying the food stands and fun fair before enjoying the fireworks to the sound of some all-time favourite film scores.
Click here to book your tickets
Crystal Palace Park
Sunday 5 November | 7pm children's show | 8:30pm main event
Stop by Crystal Palace Park this Guy Fawkes Day to watch as the green space comes alive with colour. There will be two shows commemorating the gunpowder treason and plot: one for children at 7pm, with fewer bangs, but more colours, and the main event, which will take place at 8:30. All proceeds from the event will go to support St Christopher's.
Click here to book your tickets
East London
Waltham Forest
Sunday 5 November | 6:30 - 9:00
Enjoy some fresh air at Waltham Forest before the sky is set ablaze with fireworks this November. The display doesn't start until 8pm, but the gates to the food-filled fun fair open at 6:30. You might want to get there a bit earlier than that, though, to make sure you get a good spot to enjoy the festivities.
The event is free, just turn up.
Blackheath
Saturday 4 November | Funfair open from 12 noon | Food stalls open from 5pm | Fireworks start at 8pm
Photo credit: Vickie Flores
Spend the whole day enjoying the fun fair before taking pictures of fireworks you'll actually want to look back on. Starting at 5pm, families are invited to Blackheath Common to enjoy an evening of fun before settling down to watch the dazzling pyrotechnic display.
The event is free, just turn up
West London
Ealing Cricket Club
Saturday 4 November | 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
The Ealing Cricket Club will be hosting another spectacular themed fireworks display. This year, the theme is Classical, and will feature a laser show and fireworks set to live music, including Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory. This family fun event will also feature fairground rides, a BBQ, mulled wine and candy floss for an evening of festive fun.
Watch this space to book tickets
Wimbledon Park
Wimbledon Park – Saturday 4 November
Morden Park – Sunday 5 November
The London Borough of Merton will be hosting two fireworks displays for two days. First, there will be one for the little ones – less bang, more colour – with a Disney theme, set to start at 6:45pm. This will be followed by a larger 'Festival Headliners' themed display. As well as music and fireworks, there will be thrilling rides at the fun fair and delicious food available for purchase, with the festivities continuing on until 10pm.
Click here to book tickets.
Central London
Battersea Park
Saturday 4 November | 18:00 – 21:30
The legendary annual display at Battersea Park always goes off with a bang. This year's theme is 'Power'. Expect crowds and come early for a display by Jubilee Fireworks – also, as the queue for the bar is always snaking, we advise bringing along your own cans (glass is not allowed).
Book tickets early; they often sell out
Southwark Park
November 5 | 17:30 - 20:30
Attracting over 30,000 last year, Southwark Park fireworks display is one of the largest free fireworks events in London, and has been going strong for over a decade. Family activities and food and drink will be available until 8pm. Details on tickets have yet to be announced, so watch this space for updates.
Lord Mayor’s Show
11 November | 9:00am start | Fireworks at 5:15pm
For a celebration of all things traditional, the Lord Mayor’s Show never fails to entertain. The day commences with a flotilla along the Thames at 9:00am with Tower Bridge opening in salute shortly after, and later, a procession through the Square Mile featuring carriages, carts, vintage cars, steamroller, tanks, penny farthings and more. In the lull before the fireworks, guided walks around the square mile will be setting off at various times.
If that’s not for you, why not spend the day on London’s eclectic South Bank, and explore what’s on offer in the amalgam of exhibitions and events? Then head to the riverfront to watch the spectacular Thames display in the afternoon. Or, watch the display from the water by booking a special City Cruise. No need to book for this free display, but turn up early to beat the crowds.
Book tickets for Grandstand seats.
Looking for a fun, alternative spot?
If you want to watch the celebrations, but don't want to deal with the crowds, don't worry. You have options. Head up to the top floor of Heron Tower to watch London light up from the confines of Duck and Waffle. Visit the Shard's Oblix for a cocktail at their Lounge Bar and an uncluttered view of the festivities. Or, head down to Tattershall Castle, the pub on the Thames for a view that's a bit more down to earth.
