Fireworks in London 2023: The capital’s best Bonfire Night displays plus alternative ways to celebrate

Given the current state of affairs, gunpowder treason and plot has probably never sounded quite so desirable.

There may be those wondering if he was the last person to have a good idea about what to do about parliament but, putting such treachery aside, the November celebration of his failed plot has endured for centuries. Whilst Fawkes and his gang might have avoided being burnt at the stake, flaming effigies have been a long-standing feature of Bonfire Night and below, we’ve rounded up the best places in London offering bonfires, pyrotechnics, live music, funfairs and fireworks.

Many in our round up have earlier firework options, to ensure that younger families don’t miss out, and for those with pets, there are plenty of laser and light shows alongside the traditional firework evenings. There's even a bonfire night rave, too — because, why not?

The woes of last year — council budget cuts, inflation and the rising cost of living — which poured water on the fireworks at Victoria Park, Clissold Park, Southwark Park, Crystal Palace, Arnos Grove, Kingston’s Kingsmeadow Stadium and on Blackheath, continue for 2023. Happily, though, Ravenscourt Park has them back, and there's a new event in Waltham Forest too. Here’s where to go out with a bang.

Tickets remain for arguably London’s biggest and most popular fireworks display at the stunning Ally Pally. There’s also a huge German Bier festival for those still in the mood for Oktoberfest, alongside huge live music stage, bonfires and ice skating. No wonder it’s known as the Glastonbury of fireworks nights.

Tickets from £17. November 3 & 4, Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY, alexandrapalace.com

The Musical Fireworks Displays at Wimbledon and Morden get more extravagant with two shows, one at 5.15pm and one at 7.15pm over the weekend. Expect the earlier show to be suitable for families, with a “magic” theme with the later show themed “one hit wonders”, meaning fireworks set to the biggest bangers of the last few decades.

Tickets from £10.70, kids go free. November 4, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8AU; November 5, Morden Park, SM4 5DX, seetickets.com

Warming mulled wine? Check. Bonfire? Check. Comfort Food? Check. The claim of south London’s biggest fireworks display sounds about right with Battersea’s big weekend line-up. Saturday night is the main event, with a more family-oriented evening on November 5 featuring face paint and a fire show to replace the bonfire. A word to the wise, head to the lovely neighbourhood restaurant Archway to grab a pillowy flatbread before the show kicks off.

Tickets from £12.30, kids go free. November 4 & 5, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ, kaboodle.co.uk

Last year's line-up of food vendors was enough to get the crowds gathered at the Beckenham fireworks display, with souvlaki, Malaysian rice bowls, shawarma, jerk wraps and paella all on the menu. Expect similar diversity with the fare this year, alongside two dazzling displays from 6-9pm on the Saturday.

Tickets from £15, November 4. Beckenham Recreational Ground, BR3 3NP, beckenhamfireworks.com

The Walker Ground on Waterfall road is home to a popular annual fireworks display, made all the more family-friendly thanks to a pop-up fairground with games, rides and inflatables. Essentially everything mum and dad need to tire the little tikes out before the big display and bedtime.

Tickets from £11, November 4. The Walker Ground, N14 7JZ, thewalkerground.co.uk

The Harrow fireworks celebration is more of a day festival, with entry from about noon, a fun-fair, Henna hand art stations, face painting, Fizz Kids pre-show live entertainment and huge pop-up bar marquee. The pyrotechnics kick off at about 7.45pm with a 20-minute show set to music.

Tickets from £10, November 4. Byron Park, HA3 7PJ, harrowfireworks.co.uk

Considering Fawkes was a treasonous traitor, this year’s theme of “Monarchy” at the Richmond fireworks might feel a little odd. In any case, the family-friendly display is due to be timed with a range of tracks relating to Kings and Princes, and probably more than a few Queen numbers.

Tickets from £12, under 5s go free. November 4, Richmond Athletic Ground, TW9 2SS, richmondfc.co.uk

Owing to past firework festival complaints, the new Fawkes Festival swerves the loud bangs and louder crowds with a light and laser-based show at Ravenscourt Park. Expect this new performance to include a light show set to music with sky tracers, flames and a whole host of other special effects. The afternoon funfair from 3.30pm should prove entertainment enough ‘til the shows start at 6.00pm.

Tickets from £13.88. November 3 & 4, Ravenscourt Park, W6 0UA; Bishops Park, SW6 6EA, fawkesfestival.com

The Grade II-listed Waltham Forest town hall façade is set to be illuminated with projections, a fire display and lights, all backed by an original music performance timed to the show. The event will also feature food from a range of street vendors courtesy Kerb and local Walthamstow favourite Big Penny Social, alongside entertainment by way of Drum Works.

Tickets from £8.50. November 3, 4 & 5, Waltham Forest Town Hall, E17 4JF, walthamforestlightshow.co.uk

Whilst it doesn’t need to be Guy Fawkes night to enjoy this immersive, VR-infused experience, something about November 5 does give this Tower of London-based ticket some added oomph. Live actors and special effects help make this a great way to while away a few hours this fireworks weekend.

Tower Hill, EC3N 4EE, gunpowderimmersive.com

An annual Guy Fawkes party from 7pm should mean guests have plenty of time to watch any number of London’s displays, perched atop the roof in SE15. DJ’ and dancing are set to keep things going till around midnight.

Tickets from £5. November 4, 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT, skylightbars.com

On November 4, pyrotechnic party-starters Sankeys are set to take the tradition of Guy Fawkes night to a new level by creating a fire and fireworks “masterpiece” in the night sky. The skylight-roofed terrace of Studio 338 will display the show above, while revellers rave beneath.

Tickets from £10. November 4, Studio 338, SE10 0PF, studio338.co.uk