Time to lock up your pets and wrap up warm as bonfire night returns to the capital where it all began- but with so many incredible fireworks displays in London to choose from, how to find the best ones? Fear not, Townfish is here to guide you through our top tips for a fine fill of firecrackers, catherine wheels and roman candles this November.
Alexandra Palace
Saturday November 1st
Set against an absolutely stunning vista of London, the historic Ally Pally is upping their Guy Fawkes Night game by making their event a full day of fun. Though the display starts at 7.30, get up there from 3pm for an Oktoberfest-style Bier bonanza, ice-skating, street food and a white-knuckle family funfair. Tickets are selling fast so get in there whilst you can.
http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/fireworks-festival-2014/
Southwark Park
Wednesday 5th November
There maybe no such thing as a free lunch but Southwark Park are here to prove that when it comes to firework displays, you needn’t part with even a penny of the Queen’s finest. Comforting Autumnal food and drink, circus performances and pop tunes are the order of the day but a word of warning; queue from early if you want to bag yourself a stellar view.
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents/fireworks
Battersea Park
Saturday 8th November
Keeping it south-side, Battersea’s annual display is back and jazzier than ever. Prepare for an incredible fire performance from Flame-Oz as an appetiser to the snazzily choreographed fireworks and music main course to follow. The closer to the night it gets, the more expensive the ticket prices become so our advice? Book early.
Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks
Saturday 8th November
Often confused with our floppy haired, bike riding Boris; the Lord Mayor is a completely different person and a much older position of power. In a duty of care to the square mile, this fireworks display is annually one of the most spectacular as we welcome a brand new Lord Mayor to the Mansion House. This epic display of pageantry literally brings traffic to a standstill so… time to strap on your walking shoes to celebrate an age-old London tradition.
http://lordmayorsshow.london/fireworks/
Ravenscourt Park
Saturday 8th November
Doing it for West London, Hammersmith & Fulham are expecting a whopping 20,000 people to descend on the beautiful Ravenscourt Park this November for an absolute banger of a bonfire night. This iconic annual event will see the main display kick off 8pm with a slightly less intense version for the little’uns at 7.15. Tickets available from the Lyric Theatre box office; prepare for the wow factor!
http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/ContentType/Events/86954_Fireworks_2014.asp
East Village
Wednesday 5th November
The team behind the stunning Olympics Opening Ceremony are back and raring to use their talent at creating a spectacle to give you a fireworks display you won’t be forgetting in a hurry; housed in the former athlete’s village, prepare for a candle-lit maze and an stunning fountain display. If you want your bonfire night a little more highbrow, this’ll be the event for you. The icing on this incredible cake ? It’s totally free.
http://www.eastvillagelondon.co.uk/
Brockwell Park
Wednesday 5th November
Due to becoming a little too popular for its own good, for the first time this year the council have decided to introduce a ticketed event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Don’t worry though Lambeth residents, at a mere £6 per person, it won’t break the bank and will guarantee the best darn Brockwell Park display yet. Craft stalls and funfairs, food and entertainment abound with the main display popping off at 8pm.
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/events/fireworks
Crystal Palace
Wednesday 5th November
Set to be their biggest event yet, Crystal Palace, home of the hilariously inaccurate dinosaurs, will be providing two huge firework displays for the price of one. This is guilt-free, wholesome fun for all the family as, not only is this an alcohol-free event, but they’ll also be raising money for St Christopher’s Hospice… so dig deep and most importantly, have a blast. Pre-book to avoid disappointment.