Bonfire Night in London

Bonfire Night — Guy Fawkes Night — is celebrated every 5 November across Britain, marking the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The tradition is fireworks, bonfires and sparklers, and London hosts some of the country's best public displays.

What Is Bonfire Night?

The short version: a Catholic plot to assassinate the Protestant King James I was foiled when Fawkes was discovered guarding barrels of gunpowder in the Parliament cellars. The date is commemorated with fireworks representing the explosion that never happened — one of Britain's more entertainingly peculiar traditions.

Best Displays in London

Major firework events happen on and around 5 November across London's parks, some free and some ticketed. Alexandra Palace in North London typically hosts a large ticketed display with a bonfire. Victoria Park in Hackney has run a long-standing free community display. Battersea Park and Brockwell Park also run popular events. Many events switch from free to ticketed in recent years as costs rise — check each event individually before assuming free entry.

Tips

• Events happen on 5 November and on the nearest Friday and Saturday — three possible nights of displays.
• Dress for cold weather — November evenings in London are typically 5–8°C.
• Check whether your chosen display is free or ticketed before travelling — policies change year to year.
• The South Bank and Embankment can see fireworks from displays across the city on the night itself.