Expect a spectacle in the sky at Alexandra Palace (Picture: Getty Images)
The clocks have gone back, the evenings are drawing in ,and that means it’s time to step outside and watch as the night sky is lit up with fireworks – yes, Bonfire Night is upon us once again.
This year November 5 falls on a Sunday – which means there’ll be no shortage of displays taking place across the weekend, and if you’re in the capital, you’ll be spoiled for choice – as London always plays host to some of the country’s biggest fireworks parties.
Whether you’re north, south, east or west the capital has something for everyone – from the big, lavish parties featuring DJs and all manner of food stalls, through to smaller displays that’ll keep the whole family entertained.
So if you fancy the fireworks this year. find out below where you can watch those whizz bangs and Catherine wheels…
Alexandra Palace
One of London’s most popular displays is back for 2023, and it looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
Taking place across two nights this year – November 3 and 4, visitors can not only look forward to spectacular displays but also enjoy street food vendors, cocktails and craft beer, magic from Lords Of Lightning and DJ sets from the legendary Fat Tony (November 3) and DJ Spoony (November 4).
The ice rink and UK’s largest German Bier Festival will also be among the highlights – not to mention a live performance from Kylie tribute act Rogue Minogue.
You can find out more at the official website.
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Coram’s Fields
The annual display at Coram’s Fields in King’s Cross is back for 2023, this time taking place on Friday November 3 – and once again it’s free to attend.
This year it’s bigger than ever, with performances from local schools and young people to entertain the crowds in the afternoon before the fireworks get underway at around 6pm.
Tickets for the paid Premium Viewing Zone – giving punters the best view of the display – have now sold out, but anybody wanting to watch the fireworks can still attend the event for free.
Gates are open on the Friday from 3.30pm and you’re advised to get there as early as possible to stand the best chance of getting a decent view.
You can find out more at their official website.
Location: Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DN
Alexandra Palace offers one of London’s biggest firework displays every Bonfire Night (Picture: Getty Images)
Ravenscourt Park/Bishop’s Park
If you’re looking for an alternative to noisy fireworks then head to Fawkes Festival, an ‘immersive light-laser-sound extravaganza event’, taking place at Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith and Bishop’s Park in Fulham, on November 3 and 4.
Expect the bangers and Catherine Wheels to be replaced by a stunning light and laser display, set to a soundtrack of favourite film scores and classical music.
Theparks will also play host to food and drink stalls, face painting, funfair rides and performers – and with your ticket giving you access to the laser displays at 6, 7 and 8pm you can watch the show as many times as you like.
Find out more and book tickets for both locations here.
Location: Ravenscourt Park, Paddenswick Rd, London W6 0UA /Bishop’s Park, Bishop’s Ave, London SW6 6EA
Beckenham
Beckenham Fireworks In The Park, which has been running since 1946, is back for another year, bringing family-friendly fireworks and all manner of other attractions to Croydon Road Recreation Ground on Saturday November 4.
As well as food, funfair and other entertainment you can expect two displays – a quieter fireworks show for younger viewers (complete with some small bangs) at 6pm, followed by the main display at 7.45pm.
This year you’ll need to book in advance to get in – there will be no availability on the door. Capacity for the event is limited, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
You can find out more about the event and book tickets at the official website.
Location: Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3PR
A spectacular show is promised in Battersea (Picture: Getty Images)
Battersea Park
As in previous years Battersea Park in south London is going all out with two nights’ worth of fireworks across the weekend.
Saturday night sees the traditional display along with a classic bonfire – with other attractions including mulled wine and food stalls, as well as live music and DJ sets. The event will run even later than usual, ending this year at 11pm.
Sunday November 5, meanwhile is aimed at families – and if your little ones are fans of Bluey and Bingo you’ll want to book tickets right now as the kids’ TV favourites will be performing a series of live shows throughout the event.
There’ll also be a kids’ disco after each of the shows – and if that’s not enough you can also enjoy food stalls and fairground rides ahead of the family-friendly display at around 7.10pm.
You can find out more information about both events and book tickets here.
Location: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London SW11 4NJ
You can light up the night in Wimbledon (Picture: Rex Shutterstock)
Richmond
Richmond Athletics Ground is once again playing host to a family friendly event on Sunday November 5, where you can expect a funfair, hot food, mulled wine plus entertainment from local dance companies Studio K and Resolution Dance.
Oh and don’t forget about the display itself, which this year has the theme of ‘monarchy’ – so expect classic tunes about kings, queens and princes to accompany the fireworks.
Gates open at 4.30pm and last entry is at 6.30pm, with the display set to begin at 7pm. And for those who want to make a night of it, there’s an after-party in the club bar.
You can find out more info and book tickets via the official website – make sure you get yours well in advance as the event is open to ticket holders only – you won’t be able to buy them on the gate.
Location: Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, Richmond TW9 2SF
Southgate
This annual North London fireworks display returns for another year, with Southgate’s Walker Ground playing host to fairground rides and inflatables as well as food stalls selling everything from burgers and jerk chicken to doughnuts and toffee apples.
You can also look forward to live music, a circus show and fire display ahead of the main event at 7.30pm.
Organisers have suggested booking tickets in advance to ensure you get your place on the night – as places are limited.
You can find out more information and book your tickets here.
Location: The Walker Cricket Ground Trust, 175 Waterfall Road, Southgate, London N14 7JZ
Wimbledon Park/Morden Park
If you’re in south London you can look forward to a weekend’s worth of fireworks, with displays at Wimbledon Park on Saturday November 4 and Morden Park on Sunday November 5.
You can choose from two shows at both venues; an earlier family-friendly show starting at 5.15pm, and a second fireworks display at 7.15pm.
This year’s family-friendly display has a ‘magic’ theme (so expect spellbinding songs with magical themes to accompany the fireworks) while the later show has the theme of ‘one hit wonders’ – promising some big hits from across the decades.
As with most other displays, you can expect a funfair and food stalls on site too.
Tickets for this one must be booked in advance and cannot be purchased at the venue. For more information visit the official website.
Locations: Wimbledon Park, Revelstoke Road, London SW19 7HU
Morden Park, Morden Hall Road, London SM4 5JD
Head a little further afield for Kempton Park’s colourful display (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Kempton Park
Kempton Park racecourse in Sunbury-On-Thames will be playing host to its usual fireworks spectacle on Saturday November 4.
Visitors can expect a funfair and seasonal food and drink, as well as Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis spinning a selection of Club Classics both before and after the main event.
Gates are open at 5pm and the fireworks are due to kick off at 7.30pm – and there are still tickets available, although it’s likely to be a sell-out so you’re advised to book sooner rather than later.
You can find out more info at the official website.
Location: Kempton Park, Staines Rd E, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ
Other displays around London
If none of the above take your fancy or are nearby, you can still get tickets for the following:
Cassiobury Park, Watford – Saturday November 4, 6-8.30pm
Live On The Thames Bonfire Night – Saturday November 4, 7.30pm-midnight
Byron Park, Harrow – Saturday November 4, gates open at 12pm, show starts around 7.30pm.
Ealing Cricket Club Best Of British firework display Saturday November 4, gates open 6pm, show starts around 7.45pm
Barnes Fireworks, Saturday November 4, 5.30pm-9.30pm
Things to remember
Most of the above events must be booked in advance unless otherwise stated – and many of them sell out before Bonfire Night so you should book early to avoid disappointment.
Plan your journey in advance – in the case of some venues such as Alexandra Palace there will be no on-site parking, so double check this beforehand if you do have plans to drive to the event of your choice.
Check the rules of the event you are going to beforehand – in many cases you cannot take in items such as sparklers or alcohol.
Have fun, wrap up warm and stay safe (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Get to your chosen event as early as possible to guarantee a good view and also to beat the crowds – many of the above also close their gates half an hour or so before the fireworks begin so don’t leave it till the last minute to arrive.
And don’t forget to wrap up warm!
MORE : Brits welcome 2023 with spectacular New Year’s fireworks displays
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Light up the night in the capital.