We all know Bonfire Night is one of the best nights of the year for a date and if you’ve decided to bypass doing your own private event at home, we’ve pulled together some of the best public events in London.
November 1: Fire Festival, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Tyers Street, SE11 5HL
This fire-themed extravaganza is part of a two-week festival and starts with the ritual bonfire lighting (cuddle up, people!). Then storytellers, gymnasts, artists and parkour practitioners – the ones who jump around the place – will show off their skills to tell the story of original fire. The night ends with a huge firework display.
7pm onwards; free; www.vauxhalltrust.wordpress.com/
November 2: Blackheath Fireworks, Shooters Hill Rd, London, SE3 0TY
This is one of London’s most popular shows and often has 100,000 people watching across the huge park in Greenwich. The evening starts with a fairground from 4pm and the bar, serving warming alcohol, opens at 5pm.
Fireworks start at 8pm; free; www.lewisham.gov.uk
November 2nd: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY
Ally Pally is one of London’s favourite Bonfire Night venues. They will be hosting a giant firework and laser show, set to music and also on the grounds are ice skating, fairground rides and a German bier festival in the Great Hall with premium German biers, traditional food and live entertainment.
Festival from 2pm, fireworks at 8pm; adult tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the day; www.backwithabang.com/
November 2: Ravenscourt Park Fireworks, Ravenscourt Rd, Hammersmith, W6 0UL
The picturesque surroundings will provide the perfect backdrop to the huge display of fireworks. The main event will be choreographed to ‘Superhero’ music. There will also be a smaller children’s display earlier in the evening, a funfair and stalls serving food and drinks.
From 7.15pm; Tickets £7 on the day, £5.00 in advance from the Lyric Theatre box office; www.lbhf.gov.uk/
November 5: Brockwell Park Fireworks, Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0NG
This year’s show has been masterminded by the people behind the London Olympics fireworks, so you can expect a blinder. The theme is the four seasons and the park will be mapped out according to spring, summer, autumn and winter, with corresponding food, drinks and entertainment. There will be stilt walkers, stalls, fire dancers, live music and plenty of mulled wine and cider.
Fireworks at 8pm; free; www.lambeth.gov.uk
November 9: Lord Mayor’s Show Fireworks
The centuries-old tradition starts with a parade of marching bands, floats and the 254-year-old golden Lord Mayor’s Coach making their way through the streets. Then to mark the beginning of a new mayoral year, there will be a huge fireworks display over the river. For the best view of all head down to the riverside between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank.
Parade begins at 11am; fireworks at 5pm; free; www.lordmayorsshow.org/
Here’s hoping you share that amazing ‘firework’ moment. If not…
