Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is traditionally celebrated on the 5th November, and this year it will be a Tuesday, however, you will find lots of fireworks events taking place across the whole week and weekend throughout South East England. See our fire-cracking list of events, with a wealth of inspiration and dates for your diary, and head out with family and friends to enjoy a colourful evening, brightening up the winter night sky and bringing smiles to all.

Best Firework Displays in the South East

Explore our featured list below, or scroll down to the bottom of the page to discover more fireworks and bonfire events across the destination. 

• October 5th 2024, Northiam Bonfire Procession & Fireworks, Nothiam, East Sussex
  With distinctive costumes and carrying flaming torches and lots of drums, this is a fireworks event not to miss.
• October 25th 2024, Bembridge Fireworks, Bembridge Youth & Community Centre, Bembridge, Isle of Wight (F)
  Free to attend, with outside food stalls outside, bar will be open all night with fireworks at 7:30pm.
• October 31st 2024, HMS Sultan Bonfire & Fireworks Night, Gosport, Hampshire
  A sparkling evening of fireworks, with funfair, food hall and bonfire, this annual event is a must on the Gosport event calendar. 
• November 1st 2024, Utilita Bowl Firework Party, Southampton, Hampshire
  Spectacular annual fireworks party held at the home of Hampshire cricket with a whole host of family entertainment on site.
• November 1st 2024, Fireworks Night 2024, Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham, West Sussex
  Head along for fireworks, gourmet street food, and an unforgettable atmosphere.  VIP Fireworks and Dinner option available.
• November 2nd 2024, Mayflower Park, Southampton, Hampshire
  An explosive evening of colour and fun in the picturesque Mayflower Park in Southampton.
• November 2nd 2024, Fireworks Spectacular and Family Raceday, Ascot, Windsor, Berkshire
  Sparks will fly at this year's annual fireworks spectacular at Ascot Racecourse, with action packed racing, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
• November 2nd 2024, Blackgang Chine Season Finale, Ventnor, Isle of Wight
  A one-off special event to see out the end of the 2024 season, bringing this years entertainment to a end with a bang.
• November 2nd 2024, Quex Park Fireworks, Quex Park. Birchington, Kent
  Enjoy walkabout characters & fire performers, musical entertainment with songs from Disney films, and not one, but two 2 firework displays - one at dusk and 2nd to Hollywood movie soundtrack
• November 2nd 2024, Petersfield Firework Display, Petersfield, East Hampshire
  An cracking evening will be the 33rd with proceeds donated to local charities.
• November 5th 2024, Fireworks Cruise, City Cruises, Poole, Dorset
  Join City Cruises, Poole for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe's largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Millionaire's Row and more.
• November 5th 2024, Fireworks Display, Southsea Common, Portsmouth (F)
  With site opening at 4pm with stall and entertainment followed by fireworks from 7pm - Remember, Remember the 5th of November.
• November 5th 2024, Lindfield Bonfire Night, Lindfield Common, Haywards Heath (F)
  With food, hot drinks and sweets available from local vendors in the top Common car park and along Lewes Road. This is a free to attend event.
• November 5th 2024, Fireworks Night at Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
  Danesfield House Hotel are again opening our doors to families and local residents of Marlow, Henley and surrounding villages for our annual Firework Night celebration.
• November 5th 2024, Lewes Bonfire and Torch Lit Processions, Lewes, West Sussex (F)
  This is only accessible to residents of the town on the night, and will be streamed from the War Memorial by Rocket FM so can be enjoyed remotely.
• November 5th 2024, Broadstairs Family Firework Night, Broadstairs, Kent (F)
  Head along to Viking Bay, open from 5pm with fireworks at 6pm, free to visit.
• November 9th 2024, Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks, Winchester, Hampshire
  The Winchester Round Table Bonfire & Fireworks event takes place in the heart of the UK's most special city with a procession, bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.
• November 9th 2024, Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks, Abingdon Airfield, Oxfordshire
  Returning for its 7th year and welcoming a huge fairground, entertainers & fire breathers, a children’s firework display, a high-powered light show and the UK’s biggest firework display to music
• November 9th - 10th 2024, Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Maidstone, Kent
  The biggest and best fireworks display in the South East of England returns for 2024 – the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular!
• November 16th 2024 Robertsbridge Bonfire Night, Robertsbridge, 1066 Country, East Sussex (F)
  The Robertsbridge Bonfire Procession and Fireworks ensure that the Sussex Bonfire season goes out with a bang in 1066 Country.

Counties covered include Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset. There are plenty of things to do for the whole family and lot of entertainment for the kids.

What is Bonfire Night and who is Guy Fawkes?

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, the event originates from the failed Gunpowder plot of 1605 and has been marked in Great Britain for more than 400 years. Arrested guarding explosives intended to assassinate the King, Guy Fawkes became synonymous with the plot and it’s his effigy associated with the phrase ‘penny for the guy’.

To celebrate the survival of King James I, bonfires were lit across London and an Act of Parliament was passed calling of an annual thanksgiving. Although its connection with politics and religion has dwindled throughout the years, the numerous events taking place in South East England show the celebrations to be as popular as ever.

Fireworks Safety

If attending a display, ensure that Bonfire Night passes safely and without incident by following fireworks safety tips as set out by event teams. When buying fireworks for your own party, look out for the British Standard Kitemark BS7114.

List of Firework Displays near me

Check out our hand-picked favourites or find something near you by clicking the 'map view' button below.