Originating in 1605 Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes night, falls on the 5th of November, where people across the UK celebrate Bonfire Night with fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and toffee apples.

The tradition began following a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Guy Fawkes was a key part in the attempt to blow up King James I and his government due to England being a Protestant country and Fawkes and his associates where Catholic, and thought they could change this if they killed King James I and his ministers; this was called the Gunpowder Plot.

Fawkes and his team place 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars below the Houses of Parliament, ready to cause a huge explosion. The plan failed when one of Fawkes group wrote to his friend who worked in Parliament and warned him to stay away on the 5th, the King’s supporters siezed the letters, broke into the cellars and arrested and executed the plotters who were waiting to set off the explosion.

From this date forward Bonfire night became an annual night of celebration.

The Alexandra Palace Firework Festival is one of the largest displays in London. The display is set to a musical track and the fireworks go off in correspondence. The track is normally from a well known DJ, creating a magical and impressive display of fireworks exploding with a breathtaking view of London as the back drop. This firework display is not one to miss, with a range of street food vendors, light show and a huge German Bier Fest, with sets from tribute acts of Elton John, Kylie Minogue and more.

• Location: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY
• Entry: £17.00
• Dates: 3rd-4th November 2023
• Tickets can be bought via the link below:
• Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival > Alexandra Palace

Barnes Bonfire night is one of London’s more traditional celebrations, featuring a ‘best Guy’ competition, a competition where attendees have the opportunity to make a Guy Fawkes scarecrow or model, the winners is then placed on the top of the fire and they get the opportunity to light the fire. The fireworks themselves are set off at 7:45pm, but arrive early and enjoy the vast range of food and drink stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, hotdogs, burgers and more.

Unlike some other London firework displays Barnes allows you to light up your night by bringing your own glow sticks and sparklers on site, alternatively they will also have them for sale on the night.

• Location: The Club House, 261 Lonsdale Rd, SW13 9QL
• Entry: £16.50
• Dates: 4th November 2023
• Tickets can be bought via the link below:
• Barnes Bonfire Night 2023 | barnessportsclub