Bonfire Night 2026: London, Lewes and the November 5th celebration

Bonfire Night, It's the big English festival on November 5th: bonfires, fireworks, and torchlight processions throughout the country. In 2026, it falls on a Thursday, and the big London shows take place the following weekend. Having lived in the UK since 2012, we explain the origins of the festival, the best places to experience it, and our tips for planning your trip.

Bonfire Night, the story of a failed plot

The festival commemorates the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. That year, a group of Catholic conspirators planned to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament by King James I. However, on the night of November 4-5, Guy Fawkes was arrested beneath the Palace of Westminster, next to the barrels of gunpowder.

To celebrate the failure of the plot, Londoners lit bonfires. As early as 1606, a law established November 5th as a day of commemoration. This is why it is also known as Guy Fawkes Night. Even today, the Royal Guard symbolically searches the cellars of Parliament before each State Opening ceremony.

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The traditions of Bonfire Night

Over the centuries, the festival has retained its rituals. Here's what you'll see all over the United Kingdom.

• First, the bonfires, often topped with an effigy called the "guy".
• Then, fireworks displays, organized by cities, parks and sports clubs.
• Then there are the magic candles that children twirl in the night.
• On the sweet side, there are candied apples, bonfire toffee and parkin, a ginger and oat cake from Yorkshire.

Bonfire Night in London in 2026

In London, November 5th falls on a Thursday in 2026. The biggest shows therefore take place the following weekend, November 7th and 8th. However, these are ticketed events and require advance booking.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park, on the banks of the Thames, hosts the biggest fireworks display in South London. In 2026, it will take place on Saturday, November 7th at around 8:30 pm and Sunday, November 8th at around 7 pm. Food stalls and a funfair will also be part of the festivities.

Alexandra Palace

North of the city, Alexandra Palace is hosting its Fireworks & Drone Festival on November 7th and 8th, 2026. The program includes fireworks, a drone show, a beer festival, and family activities on Sunday. The hill also offers panoramic views across London. The program is available on the Alexandra Palace official website.

In addition, many neighborhoods and towns organize their own shows, sometimes free of charge. So, to discover the city between evenings out, also check out our London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Lewes, the biggest Bonfire Night party

An hour by train from London, the small town of Lewes in Sussex hosts the world's largest Bonfire Night celebration. It always takes place on November 5th, unless that date falls on a Sunday. So, in 2026, the date will be Thursday, November 5th.

In total, seven Bonfire societies from Lewes march in the procession, along with about thirty invited societies from Sussex. The torchlight processions begin around 5 p.m. and last until about 1 a.m. The main joint procession passes by around 9 p.m. Seventeen burning crosses are also on display, in memory of the seventeen Protestant martyrs burned at the stake in Lewes in the 16th century.

Please note that access to the fireworks displays is by ticket only, sold by each company. Roads around the city close from early afternoon. Furthermore, the crowds, noise, and smoke make the event unsuitable for young children and strollers.

Other unusual parties in England

For example, in Devon, Ottery St Mary maintains a spectacular tradition: residents run through the streets carrying burning tar barrels on their shoulders. Elsewhere, most towns and cities generally hold a bonfire and fireworks display on the weekend closest to November 5th.

Do you enjoy autumn festivals? At the end of October, our guide to...’Halloween in Edinburgh presents the Samhuinn fire festival, on Calton Hill.

Our program for Bonfire Night 2026

In 2026, the calendar makes it possible to combine Lewes and London over a long weekend.

• Thursday, November 5: the Lewes processions, with an overnight stay in Brighton, a quarter of an hour away by train.
• Friday, November 6: Brighton, the Seven Sisters cliffs or the site of the Battle of Hastings.
• Saturday, November 7: return to London and fireworks at Battersea Park or Alexandra Palace.
• Sunday, November 8: a day in the capital, for example following in the footsteps of Harry Potter in London.

For a warm break, finally try a afternoon tea in London. And if you're staying until the end of the year, also check out our guide to New Year in London.

Our tips for Bonfire Night

• Book your fireworks tickets and accommodation several weeks in advance.
• In Lewes, arrive early, leave the car and check the train schedules, which are often changed that evening.
• Pack warm and waterproof clothing: early November evenings are cool.
• Finally, bring a headlamp and keep your belongings close to you in the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bonfire Night

When does Bonfire Night take place in 2026?

Bonfire Night takes place on Thursday, November 5, 2026. However, London's big fireworks display takes place the following weekend, on November 7 and 8.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The festival commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Guy Fawkes and his accomplices wanted to blow up Parliament during the visit of King James I.

Where to see the best Bonfire Night fireworks in London?

Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace are hosting the biggest shows on November 7 and 8, 2026. Both require tickets and advance booking.

Is the Lewes festival suitable for children?

Not really. In fact, the crowds, noise, and smoke make the evening difficult for young children. For a family outing, Sunday at Alexandra Palace is a better option.

How many days should I plan for Bonfire Night?

Generally, a long weekend of three or four days is sufficient. This allows you to combine the processions in Lewes with a fireworks display in London.

Experience Bonfire Night with Brightside Travel

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