10 of the best UK fireworks events for Bonfire Night 2024
For many, Bonfire Night (albeit unofficially) marks the start of winter. It's an opportunity to cosy up in your warmest coat and scarf, hot drink in hand, and come together for a colourful, light-filled celebration.
Many Bonfire Night events now feature so much more than fireworks and a bonfire, with attractions such as live music, funfairs and food stalls. Or, if you're looking for a more unconventional celebration, some festivals are based around quirky traditions – such as flaming tar barrels or fire dancers.
History tells us that the tradition of Bonfire Bight stems from Guy Fawkes's failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. However, fire-filled rituals at this time of year have much older roots. The Celtic festival of Samhain has marked the passing from summer to winter with ritual fires since Neolithic times, and is documented in literature as far back as the 9th century. Like many of our annual rituals, Bonfire Night is likely the merging of old and new traditions and celebrations.
So whether your dream Bonfire Night is a fire festival or a fireworks display at a stately home, we've gathered 10 of the best celebrations around the UK.
Don't forget to look out for pets around this time, to ensure you're managing their stress levels around fireworks.
10 of the best 2024 Bonfire Night events
Here's our pick of some of the best Bonfire Night events happening this year, from spectacular firework displays to a unique train ride...
Lewes, East Sussex
Perhaps the most famous Bonfire Night in the country, this iconic celebration features costumed torchlit parades, a blazing tar barrel being thrown into the river and the burning of effigies.
Date: Tuesday 5 November
Plymouth, Devon
Plymouth Hoe plays host to one of the UK’s largest firework displays, with a mighty bonfire beside Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse.
Date: Tuesday 5 November
Samhuinn Fire Festival, Edinburgh
Celebrating the Celtic New Year and marking the transition from summer to winter, Samhuinn Fire Festival, on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, features pulsating drums, fire-dancing and acrobatics.
Date: Thursday 31 October
The Newt, Somerset
The estate’s annual Fire Night is a celebration of the apple harvest, with mulled cider, live and burning effigies to ward off evil spirits.
Date: Friday 8 November
Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Head to Chatsworth for firework displays, a bonfire and family entertainment set against the backdrop of one of Britain’s finest stately homes – it also has an accessible viewing area.
Dates: Friday 1 November, Saturday 2 November
Llangollen railway, Wales
If standing in the cold isn't your thing, you can "Ride the Rocket" train from Llangollen to Corwen – also a great option for those with mobility or accessibility needs. This special evening service from 6-8.45pm promises viewing of two spectacular firework displays as part of the journey.
Date: Saturday 2 November
Leeds Castle, Kent
With live music, street food and spectacular fireworks, Leeds Castle boasts the South East's largest fireworks display – complete with projections and lasers.
Dates: Saturday 9 November, Sunday 10 November
Tar Barrels, Ottery St Mary
For something completely different, head to the Devon town of Ottery St Mary where, every Bonfire Night, locals hoist full-size, flaming tar-coated wooden barrels onto their backs and run through the streets to loud cheers.
Date: Tuesday 5 November
Rye, East Sussex
Watch ancient bonfire societies from across Sussex parade firelit torches around this seaside town at The Great Rye Fawkes Pageant, which concludes with a grand fireworks display.
Date: Saturday 9 November
Alexandra Palace, London
For panoramic city views on fireworks night, head to hilltop Alexandra Palace in north London for its popular display – which includes a funfair, ice disco and a drone show. It also has a dedicated accessible area and viewing platform.
Dates: Friday 1 November, Saturday 2 November
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