London's bonfire night fireworks are among the best in the country — and this year they're back with a bang. Accompanying the explosive entertainment are funfair rides, cockle-warming grub, and various other festivities. Here's our guide to firework displays and bonfire night events across London. And as 5 November falls on a Saturday this year, we can expect a whole weekend of whizzbangs.
Firework displays in north London: November 2022
ALEXANDRA PALACE FIREWORKS FESTIVAL 2022: The daddy of north London bonfire events, Ally Pally's Fireworks Festival is more than a mere pyrotechnics display. Family-friendly activities include an ice disco and film screenings; street food stalls by StrEATlife festival keep everyone fed, and there's the German Bier Festival (complete with Elvis tribute...) for older audience members. And that's before we even get to the fireworks themselves, which are released against a stunningly scenic backdrop. A huge, roaring bonfire is the icing on the cake toffee on the apple. 5 November
HARROW FIREWORKS 2022: Byron Park is the location for Harrow Fireworks — an afternoon and evening event incorporating a small fun fair, face painting and henna art for kids, as well as a bar marquee and a world food arena. That's all open from 12pm, with free entry until 3pm. You'll need a ticket after that, with the fireworks action kicking off around 7.30pm. 5 November
Firework displays in south London: November 2022
HERNE HILL FIREWORKS 2022: South London's velodrome hosts a family-friendly Halloween fireworks display, with seating and banked tracks offering plenty of vantage points for gazing skywards. Food and drink stalls are open, too. 29 October
WIMBLEDON PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Merton Council runs two official firework shows, the first of which is the Wimbledon Park fireworks display. There's a food village and funfair on site, and two displays in one night — the earlier (6.45pm) is aimed at families, with a pop music soundtrack, while the latter (8.30pm) is more for adults, with a 'Kings and Queens' music theme. 4 November
MORDEN PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Merton's second display is in Morden Park, the following day. It's a similar set-up to the Wimbledon event above, with food stalls, a funfair, and two different displays in one evening. 5 November
BECKENHAM FIREWORKS 2022: Croydon Road Recreation Ground is the venue for Beckenham's fireworks display, organised by and raising money for the 5th Beckenham South Scout Group and other local causes. Stuff your face with paella, burgers, hot dogs and candy floss... though maybe check out the funfair rides before you tuck in. There's no bonfire at this one, and tickets are available on the gate on the night, (as well as in advance) — ideal if you're a last-minute planner. 5 November
DANSON PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Welling Round Table's fireworks display in Danson Park, Bexley, raises money for local causes. The 25-minute spectacular works its magic over the park's lake, choreographed to music. While you're waiting for the whizzbangs to start (8pm), get stuck into the funfair and food and drink stalls. 5 November
BROMLEY FIREWORKS 2022: Bromley High School's grounds host a firework display for the second time, along with funfair rides, food stalls and a bar serving serving real ale, cider and prosecco. 5 November
DULWICH FIREWORKS 2022: The 'kids for a quid' offer is back for the fireworks at Dulwich Sports Club — making it popular with local families. The 20-minute display is accompanied by the likes of burgers, Indian, and pizza — washed down with ale or mulled wine. 5 November
CARSHALTON FIREWORKS 2022: Wallington and Carhsalton Round Table is lighting the fuse for the fireworks display in Carshalton Park — which also incorporates a light and laser show ahead of the main display, replacing the traditional bonfire. 5 November
BATTERSEA PARK FIREWORKS 2022: One of the biggest displays in the capital, Battersea Park's fireworks take place across two nights. Saturday night is a traditional fireworks event, with bonfire, sing-along fireworks display, and autumnal food and drink stalls. Sunday night is the family-friendly event — think earlier start time, light installation instead of a bonfire, fireworks display, and sweet treats at Sweetieland. Both events take environmental considerations seriously — no single-use plastic will be issued, and fireworks provider Titanium Fireworks is partnered with a UK tree planting scheme to offset the footprint of all explosives and their journey to the event. 5-6 November
Looking for other regular displays in south London? Lewisham Council has confirmed that the famous Blackheath fireworks still won't be back this year, and it doesn't look like the displays in Southwark Park or Crystal Palace will be back either.
Firework displays in east London: November 2022
Bad news, east Londoners — there don't seem to be any firework displays in your neck of the woods this year — although tell us if you know otherwise.
CLISSOLD PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Hackney Council has once again scrapped the Clissold Park fireworks, citing financial pressures.
VICTORIA PARK FIREWORKS 2022: Previously one of the biggest displays in London, it doesn't look like these ones are back this year either.
Firework displays in west London: November 2022
RUISLIP FIREWORKS 2022: Head to McGovern Park for a fireworks event with a Greatest Showman theme. A funfair, bubbleologist, stilt walkers, a snake charmer, face painting, Irish dancing, live music from Shay Gaston, food stalls, four bars and DJ Johnny McGovern are all part of the fun... phew. Oh yeah, there's also a fireworks display. 4 November
KINGSTON FIREWORKS 2022: The 2021 Kingston fireworks display was postponed until 4 November 2022 due to the evolving Covid situation back then — we're working to confirm whether the new date is still going ahead this year. Keep an eye on this page. 4 November
BARNES FIREWORKS 2022: Barnes Sports Club is the venue for Barnes Bonfire Night. Get building your Guy for the Best Guy competition — winner gets the honour of lighting the bonfire. Food and drink stalls, a bar and DJs are all part of the build-up to the main event. 5 November
RICHMOND FIREWORKS 2022: Richmond's annual family fireworks are back at Richmond Athletic Ground. As well as the choreographed display, the event includes funfair rides, food and drink stalls, live music and dance entertainment — plus an afterparty in the Members' Bar. 6 November
Doesn't look like Hammersmith & Fulham's display in Ravenscourt Park is happening this year, sadly.
Have we missed any? Let us know by emailing hello@londonist.com.
