Best Bonfire Night Events UK 2026: Dates and Displays

As the nights draw in and autumn settles over the UK, it's one of our most loved traditions: Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night as it's also known.

It's the perfect excuse to watch the best fireworks displays in the UK a couple of months early, warm up by a bonfire and tuck into classic autumn treats (toffee apple, anyone?). It lands just days after Halloweenand a few weeks before the Blackpool Illuminations reach their busiest.

Bonfire Night 2026 falls on Thursday 5 November, and most of the UK's biggest bonfires and fireworks displays run on the weekend after it, Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November. Below are 14 of the best Bonfire Night events in the UK this year, from the torchlit processions of Lewes to the fireworks over the River Ness in Inverness, with 2026 dates where they've been announced and ideas on where to stay if you want to make a night of it.

Jump straight to an event:

• Lewes, East Sussex: Lewes Bonfire
• London: Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival
• London: Battersea Park Fireworks
• Kent: Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
• Rye, East Sussex: Rye Bonfire
• Devon: Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
• Bristol: Fireworks Fiesta at Canford Park
• Greater Manchester: Bowdon Bonfire
• Derbyshire: Midland Railway, Butterley
• Leicestershire: Bonfire Night at Belvoir
• Leicester: Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display
• Cardiff: Sophiaworks at Sophia Gardens
• Inverness: Bught Park
• Edinburgh: fireworks around the city

Bonfire Night 2026: When It Is and Why We Celebrate

When Is Bonfire Night 2026?

Bonfire Night is always on 5 November, and in 2026 that's a Thursday. Because it falls midweek, most large organised displays move to the nearest weekend: this year the big ones cluster on Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, with a few (like Lewes and Ottery St Mary) sticking to the 5th itself. That makes it a good year for a weekend away with friends, or for anyone looking for UK weekend destinations for groups. Bonfire Night isn't a bank holiday, so plan around work on the Thursday.

What Happens on Guy Fawkes Night in the UK?

Guy Fawkes Night marks the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators tried to blow up the House of Lords. Today it's celebrated with bonfires, fireworks and, in some towns, the burning of a Guy Fawkes effigy, alongside traditional Bonfire Night food like toffee apples, jacket potatoes, parkin and hot soup.

Why Did Bonfire Night Start?

Bonfire Night began as a celebration of the failed Gunpowder Plot, which aimed to kill King James I and replace him with a Catholic monarch. The plot was discovered and Fawkes was arrested guarding the gunpowder beneath the House of Lords. To mark the king's survival, people lit bonfires across London, and the tradition stuck.

Was It Once Compulsory to Celebrate Bonfire Night?

In a way, yes. Soon after the plot, Parliament passed the Observance of 5th November Act, which required an annual service of thanksgiving for the king's escape. The act was repealed in the 19th century, but the bonfires and fireworks carried on without it.

What Is the Bonfire Night Rhyme?

The traditional rhyme for the 5th of November is "Remember, Remember", which has been used for centuries to keep the story of the Gunpowder Plot alive:

"Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
We see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."

You'll still hear it recited around bonfires across the country.

Is Bonfire Night Only British?

Bonfire Night is a distinctly British tradition. Other countries have their own big fireworks nights, like Independence Day in the US or the festivals you'll find on a trip to Australia, but Guy Fawkes Night is rooted in British history and is celebrated across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you'd rather skip the British November weather altogether, there are always warmer options.

The 14 Best Bonfire Night Events in the UK for 2026

Ready to plan your Bonfire Night? Here's where to go across the UK, with this year's dates where organisers have confirmed them. Dates marked "TBC" hadn't been announced at the time of writing, so check the organiser's site before you book.

1. Lewes Bonfire, East Sussex

Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
What happens? Lewes is the biggest and most famous Bonfire Night celebration in the UK. The town's bonfire societies march through the streets in costume carrying flaming torches, and each society then holds its own bonfire and fireworks at sites around the town. It's loud, crowded and unlike any council fireworks display you've been to.

It's also a night that needs planning. Lewes District Council encourages non-residents to go to another display, roads in the town close from late afternoon, parking is suspended, and trains don't stop at Lewes or the nearby stations from early evening until the next morning. If you're going, check the council's travel advice first and treat it as a night rather than a quick visit.

Where to stay for Lewes Bonfire

Rooms in Lewes itself go early, and with no evening trains into the town, many visitors base themselves along the coast and make a weekend of it. A Hotelgift hotel gift card lets whoever you're treating choose their own base.

2. London: Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival

Location: Alexandra Palace, North London
Date: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026
What happens? Alexandra Palace, better known as Ally Pally, hosts one of London's best Bonfire Night events, with panoramic views across the city from the top of the hill. The Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival now pairs its fireworks with a drone show, and the Sunday is set up as a family day. Expect:

• A large fireworks display
• A drone light show
• Street food and bars
• Funfair rides

Tickets usually sell in price tiers that rise as the date gets closer, so it pays to book early. Check the official site for gate and display times. If you want to make an evening of it in one of London's sports bars afterwards, Ally Pally is well connected by bus and rail.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night in London

Location: London (Haringey)
Green Rooms Hostel is within a 5-minute drive of Alexandra Palace, making it a handy base for the fireworks. This social London hostel offers comfortable, affordable rooms with a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, and it's a good fit for friend groups doing Bonfire Night in London together. It's also close to Priory Park and Finsbury Park if you want a walk the morning after.

3. London: Battersea Park Fireworks

Location: Battersea Park, South London
Date: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026
What happens? Battersea Park Fireworks is one of London's most popular Guy Fawkes events, with a later main display on the Saturday and an earlier, family-friendly display on the Sunday. The fireworks are set to music above the park by the Thames, with street food stalls before the show. Book a table at one of London's Michelin-starred restaurants nearby and you've got a proper night out.

Where to stay for the Battersea Park Fireworks

For easy access to Battersea Park, book Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel. This hotel is a short walk from the park and has a spa and restaurant, so you can warm up properly after standing out in the cold.

4. Kent: Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular

Location: Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent
Date: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026
What happens? Not to be confused with the city in Yorkshire, Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular is one of the South East's biggest displays, with the castle and its moat as the backdrop. Arrive in the afternoon to explore the castle grounds, including the maze and play areas, before the fireworks start early in the evening. There's also:

• Live music
• Street food
• A fairground

This is a ticketed event, with separate adult and child prices and free entry for under-3s. Check the Leeds Castle site for this year's prices and timings.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night at Leeds Castle

For a comfortable stay after the Fireworks Spectacular, try Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. It's a short drive from Leeds Castle and makes a good base for a weekend away in Kent.

5. Rye Bonfire, East Sussex

Location: Rye, East Sussex
Date: Expected Saturday 14 November 2026 (to be confirmed)
What happens? Rye's bonfire celebration is a community-led Sussex bonfire night in the medieval town of Rye, run by volunteers and funded by donations. A torchlit procession winds through the cobbled streets, followed by a bonfire and fireworks. The town has a long tradition of burning a boat on bonfire night. Because it falls a week after most other displays, it's a good way to catch a second Bonfire Night, and it's far less crowded than Lewes.

Where to stay for Rye Bonfire

For a traditional night in Rye, book a stay at The George in Rye, a boutique hotel on the high street, right in the middle of town.

6. Devon: Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

Location: Ottery St Mary, East Devon
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
What happens? One of the most unusual Bonfire Night traditions in the country. Locals carry burning tar barrels on their shoulders through the packed streets of this small Devon town, with junior barrels in the afternoon, the main barrels from the evening and a final barrel around midnight. It's free, it's hot, and the crowds stand very close to the action, so it's not one for small children.

Where to stay for the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

Ottery is a small town and fills up fast on the 5th. Nearby Exeter has far more choice, so it's worth booking early and taking a taxi in and out.

7. Bristol: Fireworks Fiesta at Canford Park

Location: Canford Park, Bristol
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026, from 7pm
What happens? Bristol's biggest charity fireworks display, the Fireworks Fiesta, returns to Canford Park. As well as the display, it's a major charity event supporting local causes. Tickets are sold online in advance only, so don't plan on paying at the gate.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night in Bristol

For a central base, try The Bristol Hotel. It's in the heart of the city, so you can pair the fireworks with a weekend exploring Bristol.

8. Greater Manchester: Bowdon Bonfire

Location: Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Squash Club, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Date: Friday 6 November 2026, 6pm to 10pm
What happens? Bowdon Bonfire is one of the longest-running Bonfire Nights in the North West. It's a family event with two fireworks displays: an earlier, quieter one for younger children and a bigger grand finale set to music. For 2026 there's also a drone show. Expect stalls, rides, bars and BBQs between the displays.

• Tickets: advance tickets are cheaper than paying at the gate, with child, adult and family options.
• Parking: there's no parking on site, so arrive early to find a space locally.

Make a weekend of it with a meal at one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

Where to stay in Greater Manchester for Bonfire Night

The Best Western Manchester Altrincham Cresta Court Hotel is a short drive from the Bowdon fireworks, and handy for the Trafford Centre and Old Trafford if you're staying the weekend.

9. Derbyshire: Fireworks Night at Midland Railway, Butterley

Location: Midland Railway, Butterley, Derbyshire
Date: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026
What happens? A Bonfire Night with a difference: Fireworks Night at the Midland Railway gets you to the display by heritage train. Trains run from Butterley Station to Swanwick Junction through the early evening, the fireworks are set to music, and the last train back leaves after the show. Seasonal food and hot drinks are available, and you can explore the railway's museum buildings while you wait.

Butterley Station is the only way in, and parking there is free. It's a good pick for families with train-mad kids, and a nice excuse for a November break closer to home.

Where to stay for Fireworks Night at Butterley

For a comfortable stay, consider The Derby Midland Hotel in Derby city centre, a short drive from Butterley.

10. Leicestershire: Bonfire Night at Belvoir

Location: Belvoir Castle estate, near Grantham, Leicestershire
Date: To be confirmed
What happens? The Belvoir Castle estate on the Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border hosts a popular fireworks night, previously held at the Engine Yard. It draws families from across the East Midlands, and the Engine Yard's independent shops are worth a look for early Christmas shopping. Check the Belvoir Castle website for this year's date.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night at Belvoir

Hart's Hotel | Standard Hill, Nottingham, NG1 6GN | ★★★★
If you'd like a city base, Hart's Hotel in Nottingham is close to the city centre without being on the high street, and guests rate its beds and breakfast highly.

11. Leicester: Abbey Park Bonfire & Firework Display

Location: Abbey Park, Leicester
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
What happens? Abbey Park hosts Leicester's biggest bonfire and fireworks display. There are two separate displays, including a quieter one earlier in the evening for young children and noise-sensitive visitors, plus fire performers, funfair rides and live entertainment. Very young children go free, and advance tickets are cheaper than on the night.

Where to stay for the Abbey Park Bonfire

The Belmont Hotel | 20 De Montfort Square, Leicester, LE1 7GR | ★★★★
This city centre Leicester hotel is a few minutes from New Walk Museum and the Curve Theatre, with friendly staff and tidy rooms.

12. Cardiff: Sophiaworks at Sophia Gardens

Location: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
What happens? Sophia Gardens, home of Glamorgan Cricket, hosts what it bills as Cardiff's biggest Bonfire Night display. It's a family evening with a fireworks display in the heart of the city, a short walk from the centre. Visit the Sophia Gardens website to secure your tickets.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night in Cardiff

Book a few nights at Hotel Indigo Cardiff, a short walk from Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium. Its Lefel 6 bar and restaurant makes it an easy choice for a Cardiff city break around Bonfire Night.

13. Inverness: Bught Park

Location: Bught Park, Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Date: To be confirmed
What happens? The Highland Council's free bonfire and fireworks at Bught Park is the place to be for Guy Fawkes in Inverness, drawing thousands of people to the banks of the River Ness. In recent years catering stalls and funfair rides have opened in the early evening, followed by the bonfire and then the fireworks. You'll find plenty of places to eat in Inverness nearby too. Expect parking restrictions around the Bught area on the night, so walking in from the city centre is the easiest option.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night in Inverness

For a hotel in the heart of Inverness, try Columba Hotel Inverness. This historic riverside hotel is a walk along the Ness from Bught Park and close to Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre, so you can see more of the city while you're there. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee makers for a warming nightcap.

14. Edinburgh: Fireworks Around the City

Location: Various venues, Edinburgh
Date: Various, 5 to 8 November 2026
What happens? Edinburgh doesn't have one big council-run bonfire, so displays tend to be smaller community and ticketed events announced closer to the date, and the city's hills make it easy to catch fireworks going off across the skyline. Green spaces like Inverleith Park are popular spots for watching the city's bigger fireworks. Check local listings in late October for what's on this year. Scottish weather can be particularly cold in November, so dress in layers and bring a hat, gloves and a scarf.

Where to stay for Bonfire Night in Edinburgh

You can't go wrong with Nira Caledonia, close to Inverleith Park and within a 10-minute walk of George Street and Princes Street. It's also a short walk from Stockbridge, with its village feel and great brunch spots. Rooms are individually decorated, and the hotel's Blackwoods Bar & Grill is a cosy place to warm up after the fireworks. If you're back in the city in August, see what to do at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Where Will You Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night 2026?

Whether you're heading to Lewes for the full spectacle or a local display with the kids, Bonfire Night is a whole lot of fun (and a whole lot of noise). Wrap up warm, book ahead for the ticketed events and keep safe. If you've got a dog at home, the fireworks won't be their favourite night of the year, so a stay at one of the UK's best dog-friendly hotels somewhere quieter could suit you both.

Already thinking ahead? See our guides to the best New Year's Eve fireworks in the UK and the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks, or plan a Christmas market weekend in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonfire Night 2026

Where is the biggest Bonfire Night in the UK?

Lewes in East Sussex is widely regarded as the biggest Bonfire Night in the UK. Its bonfire societies parade through the town with flaming torches before holding their own bonfires and fireworks. It gets extremely busy, and the local council advises visitors to check travel arrangements carefully because roads close and trains don't stop in the town for the evening.

Where is the best place to celebrate Bonfire Night in London?

Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park host two of London's biggest Bonfire Night displays, both on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. Ally Pally has views across the city and a drone show, while Battersea has a family-friendly display on the Sunday.

Are Bonfire Night events held on 5 November?

Some are, but most large displays move to the nearest weekend. In 2026, 5 November is a Thursday, so the majority of big events run from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November. Lewes and Ottery St Mary keep to the 5th itself.

Are there quieter fireworks displays for young children?

Yes. Several events run an earlier, lower-noise display for young children and noise-sensitive visitors, including Bowdon Bonfire in Greater Manchester and Abbey Park in Leicester. Battersea Park also runs a family-focused display on the Sunday.

Gift a Night Away with the Best Hotel Vouchers in the UK

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So whether you're planning your own Bonfire Night 2026 or looking for the best way to gift a night away to someone special, a Hotelgift hotel voucher is a brilliant choice.