Top Bonfire Nights in the UK
There’s nothing quite like a traditional bonfire on an autumn night — the crackle of burning wood, the scent in the air, and the sky glowing with bursts of colour. We’ve rounded up our top picks for Bonfire Night events across the UK. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or an evening packed with excitement, there’s something for everyone. Plus, we’ve selected nearby hotels so you can make a night of it.
1) Fireworks & Drone Festival
When: 31st October – 1st November 2025
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
One of the most spectacular Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations takes place at Alexandra Palace in London. This epic two-day event features a Halloween-themed fireworks and drone display, spooky bonfires, ghost tours of the Victorian Theatre and a fancy dress competition with amazing prizes. Dance to 90s garage songs, enjoy tribute performances from Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton and party with live throwback anthems at Rhythm of the 90s. With a funfair, ice discos and over fifty food trucks and bars, this is more than just fireworks.
Holiday Inn Express London Chingford – North Circular is a 30-minute drive away.
2) Fireworks & Film Spectacular
When: 8th November 2025
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH
Cheltenham Racecourse hosts one of the most stunning fireworks displays of the year. This epic evening features a dazzling fireworks show choreographed to the greatest movie soundtracks, from Jurassic Park and Top Gun to Indiana Jones and Back to the Future. Enjoy a huge family funfair with rides, games and entertainment, plus a variety of food and drink stalls serving everything from street food favourites to sweet treats. All profits support Cheltenham Round Table and local charities.
Holiday Inn Express Gloucester – South is a 25-minute drive away.
3) Downend Round Table Fireworks
When: 7th November 2025
Where: King George V Playing Fields, Sutherland Ave, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6QJ
Bristol’s brightest Bonfire Night celebrations takes place at King George V Playing Fields. This spectacular evening features a dazzling professional display, a quieter children’s fireworks show, a traditional bonfire and a brilliant range of glow-in-the-dark toys. Enjoy fairground rides, food stalls and the legendary Party Peeps after-party with epic tunes and a foam extravaganza.
Holiday Inn Express Bristol – Filton is a 15-minute drive away.
4) Fireworks Night
When: 1st November 2025
Where: Midsummer Common, Cambridge, CB5 8DJ
One of Cambridge’s longest-running and best-loved community traditions takes place at Midsummer Common. This magical evening features a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the night sky, alongside delicious street food from a variety of food trucks, live music and walkabout acts. Don’t miss the return of Autin Dance Theatre’s 13-foot puppet from Out of the Blue, bringing extra wonder to the festivities.
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge is a 15-minute drive away.
5) Firework Display
When: 5th November 2025
Where: Bught Park, Bught Road, Inverness, Highland, IV3 5SS
Prepare yourself for a fireworks extravaganza at Bught Park. Listen to the crackles of the bonfire while sipping on a hot drink to keep you warm throughout the night. Bring the family along to watch the sky being lit up at night with an array of colours, the perfect place for creating memories.
Holiday Inn Express Inverness is a 15-minute drive away.
6) Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular
When: 7th – 9th November 2025
Where: Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB
Alton Towers Resort hosts one of the UK’s most thrilling firework events.This epic end-of-season celebration features an all-new pyrotechnic spectacular inspired by Alton Intelligence, a clever AI that transforms guest memories and emotions into breathtaking fireworks. With three unique shows each night, jaw-dropping surprises and a spellbinding story.
Holiday Inn Express Stoke-on-Trent is a 30-minute drive away.
7) Fireworks and Funfair
When: 8th November 2025
Where: Central Co-op County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6DA
Derby’s brightest annual events takes place at The Central Co-op County Ground. This spectacular evening features a dazzling fireworks display, family-friendly entertainment and a wide variety of food and drink stalls. With a fantastic atmosphere for all ages, it’s the perfect night out for friends and family.
Holiday Inn Express Derby – Pride Park is a 10-minute drive away.
8) Autumn Lights
When: 31st October 2025
Where: Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln, LN2 2NA
Experience the magic of Autumn Lights, a spectacular celebration for all ages. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, thrilling funfair rides and street food before gazing up at not one, but two incredible fireworks displays perfectly choreographed to music. A night of entertainment, flavour and colour — the ultimate autumn celebration.
Holiday Inn Express Lincoln City Centre is a 10-minute drive away.
9) The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary
When: 5th November 2025
Where: Town Centre, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1BZ
Fancy a different style of Bonfire Night? Get yourself down to The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary. This cherished tradition has continued for centuries and is back for another year. Join local pubs and breweries handing over a barrel that’s covered in tar, set on fire and carried through the streets by locals. Remember, it’s fire instead of fireworks.
Holiday Inn Express Exeter East is a 15-minute drive away.