Top 10: Things to Do on Bonfire Night in London 2019By Molly Moss
Looking for things to do on Bonfire Night in London 2019? Bonfire Night is back with a bang (and Halloween is on the horizon too). Get ready to hit up some of the best firework displays and cocktail masterclasses in London – complete with funfair rides, food and drink and fire-walking. Stay in your local area, or venture further afield and get ready to enjoy some of the best Bonfire Night events in London:
1. Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
The Lowdown: At 9pm on Friday 1st and 8pm on Saturday 2nd November, Alexandra Palace will be lighting up London’s skyline with their legendary fireworks display. Set to foot-stomping music curated by former Radio 1 DJ and Bestival founder Rob Da Bank, experience an explosion of light against a backdrop of London. Along with traditional live music, comedy, cabaret and an ice-skating rink, there’s also the new addition of a Pagan fire-lighting ritual (designed by Mutoid Waste) – an opportunity not to be missed.
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Price: Tickets are £12 and can be bought here
2. Crystal Palace Park Fireworks
The Lowdown: Commemorating the gunpowder treason plot this year, the green space will light up London’s skyline with colour and flair on Saturday 2nd November. There are two shows – one for children at 7pm (less noise and more colours) and the main event at 8.30. Bag your ticket to see the eye-popping display. All proceeds from the event will go towards St Christopher’s.
Where: Thicket Rd, London SE20 8DT
Price: Tickets are £11 and can be bought here
3. Victoria Park Fireworks
The Lowdown: Also known as the Tower Hamlets Fireworks, Victoria Park Fireworks will be lighting up the Tower Hamlet’s Sky on Sunday 3rd November. One of the few remaining fireworks events in London, and organised by the council’s arts and events team, the display will be themed around the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. You can also grab mulled wine from the local stalls in the park before the display.
Where: Victoria Park, Grove Road, London, E3
Price: Free. Event website here
4. Battersea Park Fireworks
The Lowdown: On Saturday 2nd November, Wandsworth council’s 200-acre oasis Battersea Park is hosting an eye-popping 22-minute explosion of light and colour. There’s a main event and an after-party (you need tickets for the fireworks to get into the party). Party away until 1am at the park’s glass venue – Battersea Evolution – if you’ve got the stamina. There’ll be DJ sets from special guests to kick off the action.
Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Price: Tickets are £11 – buy here
5. Wembley Park ‘Light Up the Night’
The Lowdown: Wembley Park’s free fireworks is back on Sunday 10th November. Celebrate both Bonfire Night and Diwali at this spectacular light-filled extravaganza. Get your fill of funfair rides and fireworks, before partying afterwards at Boxpark Wembley. Enjoy the jam-packed line up also including a carnival parade and live performances. And what’s more, it’s free!
Where: Wembley Park, London
Price: Free. Event website here
6. Blackheath Fireworks
The Lowdown: Fancy an all-day Guy Fawkes bash? Never fear – Blackheath Fireworks are here on Saturday 2nd November. Known for attracting crowds of up to 100,000 throughout the day, fairground rides kick off the event at midday. Food and drink stalls at 5pm before the fireworks themselves, and celebrations will spill out onto the streets of Blackheath village.
Where: Blackheath, London, SE3 0TZ
Price: Free. Event website here
7. City Cruises Fireworks Cruise
The Lowdown: Sick of the fireworks crowds? Swan along the River Thames with City Cruises and experience the magical explosions from the main saloon or upstairs on the open deck. The views are sure to float your boat.
Where: Cruise leaves at 19.15 (boarding at 19.00) from Westminster Pier
Price: Starting from £39. Buy here
8. Chiswick Park Fireworks
The Lowdown: The annual Chiswick Park Fireworks display is back on Thursday 7th November. Along with the lights, there’s another unforgettable experience up for grabs – the Fire Walk (where you can walk across burning embers of up to 1200F). This fireworks display is also an opportunity to support the local children’s hospice charity.
Where: 566 Chiswick High Road W4 5YA
Price: Free but £15 in advance for the Fire Walk – details here
9. For Fun Around the Fire Pit: Midnight Apothecary Halloween Spooktacular
The Lowdown: Midnight Apothecary on Saturday 2nd November is set to be one hell of a gathering. From toasted marshmallows and sparklers round the fire pit to seasonal cocktails, apple bobbing and gourmet from Upside Down Catering, enjoy a whole load of Bonfire Night fun. Also not to be missed are the guided tours of Brunel’s spooky underground Grand Entrance Hall (the first tunnel to be dug beneath a river – now a performance and exhibition space).
Where: Railway Avenue, SE16 4LF
Price: Tickets from £5. Book here
10. For a Cocktail Class: Bourne and Hollingsworth Garden Room
The Lowdown: Fireworks not your thing? Remember, remember the fifth of November for a Bonfire Night cocktail masterclass. Run by cocktail connoisseurs, the class is a spin on the weekly winter classes at the Garden Room – think mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate, but with a whisky and tequila twist.
Where: 10th Floor, Assembly Hotel, 27-31 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0LS
Price: Tickets cost £20 and include two cocktails and tasters. Book here
