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Britain’s top Bonfire Night and fireworks displays
A guide to Bonfire and Fireworks Night events
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 30/10/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 30/10/2025
It’s coming round to fireworks night when so many are prepared to be dazzled by displays all around the country. If you’re heading to one, why not all journey together with temporary car insurance.
This way, someone can drive you to the event and have a few drinks once there, while one of the passengers takes the wheel for the journey home.
In this post, we'll be talking through some facts about Bonfire Night and its history and where you can go to see some truly dazzling displays.
“Remember, remember, the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason and plot…” The famous poem will help even the most forgetful person remember the date of Bonfire Night. However, the fireworks displays often take place on a weekend either side of this date.
Read the whole of ‘Remember, Remember, the 5th of November’ at Words for Life.
We have to go all the way back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 to see where the tradition of Bonfire Night began. This is the year when a group of English Catholics planned to assassinate the Protestant King James I and destroy the entire Parliament.
To do this, they stored 36 barrels of gunpowder beneath the House of Lords. Guy Fawkes was tasked with lighting the fuse, but an anonymous letter was sent to a member of Parliament warning them to stay away. Fawkes was discovered guarding the explosives in the early hours of 5 November and immediately arrested.
Some saw the failure of the Gunpowder Plot as divine intervention and King James I declared people should light bonfires across London to celebrate his survival. Although there’s more of a focus on fun and community now, some traditions remain:
Described on their website as the ‘biggest celebrated Fifth November Event in the world’, there are actually six separate Lewes Bonfire Societies celebrating with their own processions, traditions, costumes, fire sites and fireworks. Road closures are in place so park out of town if you’re travelling down.
Flaming barrels are carried through the streets, creating a real spectacle that nobody in attendance will forget. The procession of tar barrels leads to the bonfire at St Saviours Meadow, which usually stands around 35 feet high - with a Guy designed by a competition winner sitting atop in recent years.
This year, the sky around Ally Pally will come alive with a Halloween-themed fireworks and drone display. There will also be spooky bonfires and a fancy dress competition for all ghouls and ghosts.
With firework and pyrotechnic displays from Skyburst, the winners of the 2023 British Firework Championships, and a post-display family foam party, there’s so much to look forward to at this charity event.
From 2pm through until 10pm, this event features walkabout characters, fire performers, musical entertainment and two separate fireworks displays, including one at 6.30pm so little ones can enjoy the sparkles in the sky.
Described as the ‘largest display in the Southside’, this community event is promising to be brighter, bigger and better than ever before.
Coming slightly later than other fireworks events, this display is no less dazzling. “The UK’s largest fireworks, light and laser display”, all choreographed to music for a fully immersive experience.
There’s a Day of the Dead party, firedancers and acrobats before the main display on the Saturday and a whole host of family fun - including Shrek-inspired tribute band The Ogretones - on the Sunday at this popular event.
Plymouth Hoe will be transformed into a buzzing hub of entertainment with rides, food stalls and a special children’s fairground (separate charges apply). The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the skies will explode with a fireworks display launched from the Royal Citadel at 7.30pm.
You’ll also find local displays, theme parks and attractions putting on events that go off with a bang around this time. Check your local listings for further information. Of course, there are also private displays but make sure you are extra careful if putting on or attending one of these.
Organised events should have plenty of signs to follow and will have stewards and safety marshals around to help keep everyone safe. If you are at a smaller-scale event, use common sense and keep well away from any of the fireworks as they are set off.
As we head into November, the nights get colder so it’s important to wrap up warm. You should also ensure your footwear is suitable for the ground conditions - taking a pair of wellies could be a good option. Just make sure you have appropriate footwear for the drive to and from the event.
If you have young children with you, bring ear protection for them and follow all safety procedures.
As always, it’s worth leaving in plenty of time and planning ahead. You never know what issues you may come across on your journey and you don’t want to be rushing around, trying to find an elusive parking space.
The RSPCA website suggests that animals can sometimes literally be scared to death by the sound and flashes of fireworks. This is because many, especially cats and dogs, have a greater hearing range and higher sensitivity than humans.
Although drones and silent fireworks are becoming more popular, it’s still important to keep your pets safe every Bonfire Night. You can help keep them safe by:
Although this will be down to individual taste, there are a number of options traditionally associated with Bonfire Night - many of which are hearty and warming, ready to heat you up on a cold night.
These include hot dogs, burgers, hog roasts, jacket potatoes, cinder toffee, toffee apples, mulled wine or cider and hot chocolate. And how can we forget s’mores - toasted marshmallows. A favourite with all the family.
Whichever Bonfire Night celebration you’re heading to, make sure you stay safe and are fully covered for the journeys there and back.
