Bonfire Night & Fireworks

From traditional Bonfire Night celebrations and torchlight processions to spectacular fireworks choreographed to music, South East England hosts some of the UK's most memorable firework events. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fireworks displays, free community celebrations or large-scale Bonfire Night events, you'll find plenty of inspiration for a great evening out. Don't miss our fire-cracking list of events, with a wealth of inspiration and dates for your diary.

Best Firework Displays in South East England

Remember, Remember the 5th of November with a visit to one of the fantastic Bonfire Night and firework events happening throughout the destination. Explore our featured list below, or scroll down to the bottom of the page to discover more fireworks and bonfire events.

• Winchester Torchlight Procession & Fireworks
  7 November | North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester, Hampshire
  Head to the centre of historic Winchester for the annual torchlight procession and fireworks night event.
• Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
  7 - 8 November | Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent
  Enjoy fireworks set to music, fairground attractions, food stalls and access to the stunning Leeds Castle grounds.
• Mayflower Park 
  7 November | Mayflower Park, Southampton, Hampshire
  Join Mayflower Park for an explosive evening of fun and excitement at the Southampton Family Fireworks Display!
• Abingdon Funfair & Fireworks
  14 November | Abingdon Airfield, Abingdon on Thames, Oxfordshire
  An explosive night of entertainment returns to Oxfordshire with firework and light show choreographed to music.
• Robertsbridge Bonfire Night 2026
  21 November | Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex
  Listen for the signal to start the event, watch the traditional torchlit procession weave through the village streets and marvel at the bonfire and fireworks finale.

Free Firework Displays Near You

Looking for free fireworks displays near you? South East England hosts a number of free Bonfire Night celebrations, with torchlight processions, community bonfires and spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky.

• Eastbourne Bonfire Society Procession and Fireworks (F)
  3 October | Eastbourne Seafront, Eastbourne, East Sussex
  Head to the Eastbourne seafront for a colourful torchlight procession, beach bonfire, traditional effigy burning and spectacular fireworks display.
• Hastings Bonfire and Torchlight Procession (F)
  17 October | Hastings Seafront, Hastings, East Sussex
  A day of events and activities with Guy making competition, junior and main torchlight procession, beacon lighting, bonfire and fireworks display.
• Southsea Common Fireworks Display (F)
  4 November | Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire
  One of Hampshire's largest free fireworks displays with entertainment, food stalls and a spectacular show over Southsea Common
• Yarmouth Isle of Wight Fireworks and Torchlight Procession (F)
  5 November | Yarmouth Square, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
  Watch the procession make its way up the High Street to the Common with over 1,000 participants creating a stunning light show.
• Battle Guy Fawkes Celebrations (F)
  7 November | High Street, Battle, East Sussex
  One of the world's oldest bonfire societies holds its annual Guy Fawkes celebrations in the historic town of Battle.

Family-Friendly Bonfire Night Events

These family-friendly fireworks events combine spectacular displays with fairground rides, food stalls, live entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.

• Utilita Bowl Fireworks Party
  6 November | Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Hampshire
  Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, live entertainment, funfair rides and family-friendly activities at one of Hampshire's biggest Bonfire Night celebrations.
• Petersfield Firework Display
  7 November | Bell Hill Recreation Ground, Petersfield, Hampshire
  35th anniversary event with all proceeds going to local charities and good causes.
• Fire. Fest 2026
  7 November | Braywick Park & Sports Ground, Maidenhead, Berkshire
  Bringing the dramatic events of 1605 to life with live actors, storytelling and a spectacular Bonfire Night celebration.
• Rallycross and Fireworks
  7 - 8  November | Lydden Hill, Canterbury, Kent
  Over 75 rallycross races, live music, funfair and fireworks on the Saturday night (only).
• Lagoona Park Fireworks Night
  13 - 14 November | Lagoona Park, Reading, Berkshire
  Two unforgettable nights of fireworks over the lake, with DJ, food and entertainment.

Bonfire Night & Fireworks Frequently Asked Questions 

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 for 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.

When is Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night is traditionally celebrated on the 5th November, and this year it will be a Thursday, however, you will find lots of fireworks events taking place across the whole week and weekend throughout South East England.  Many of the traditional society processions and celebrations begin much earlier in the calendar, the first is usually the Uckfield Carnival which took place on 5th September 2026 - part of the Sussex bonfire season, the last is generally the Robertsbridge Bonfire Night.

Are there any low-noise firework events in South East England?

Yes, there are low-noise fireworks events taking place at Godstone Farm on 24 & 25 October, Ardingly Fireworks 24 October, Fawley Fireworks Display on 1 November and Hayling Island Holiday Park on 7 November, these are ideal for SEN visitors or very young children. 

Where can I find free fireworks displays near me?

Many towns and cities across South East England host free fireworks displays, including events in Portsmouth, Eastbourne and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Use the search results below or Map View to discover fireworks events near you. 

Firework Displays near me

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