There's nothing like the November cold to put people in the mood for a bonfire. Dig out your mittens, fill up your flask and follow our routes to the best bonfires in the UK.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night marks the night in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators failed to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I.
An anonymous tip led to their discovery, and Fawkes was captured before he could light gunpowder barrels beneath the House of Lords.
Ever since, people all over Britain have lit bonfires, set off fireworks, and burned effigies in memory of the foiled plot. Today, these events have evolved into community gatherings with large-scale displays that draw crowds from across the country.
When is Bonfire Night in 2025?
This year, Bonfire Night falls on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. The date is always 5 November, although events often take place across the surrounding weekends as well.
Where are the best Bonfire Night fireworks displays?
Some of the best bonfire events are held in cities along the Avanti West Coast routes, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Many of the events are within a short walk or taxi ride from Avanti stations, and travelling by train is an easy way to enjoy some of the UK’s best Bonfire Night fireworks displays.
There’s no need to worry about parking at busy events. Everyone can enjoy travelling together without one person needing to drive.
Bonfire Night in London
Three of London’s major Bonfire Night fireworks displays include those at Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and Wimbledon Park. Not only is it easy to get into London via Avanti trains, but once you’re in the city, the tube network makes it easy to hop between districts in minutes.
Bonfire Night at Alexandra Palace: Essential info
Alexandra Palace’s Fireworks Festival isn’t one to miss. This event pairs highly creative fireworks displays with lasers, drones, and, of course, bonfires.
- Dates: Friday 7 and Saturday 8 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 6 pm on Friday and 4 pm on Saturday. Last entry is 9:05 pm on Friday and 8:05 pm on Saturday.
- Ticketing: £50 each, bookable online
- Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
- Nearest train station: Alexandra Palace Tube Station (an 11-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Battersea Park: Essential info
One of London’s larger Bonfire Night events, Battersea Park will run a Saturday event for adults and a Sunday event for families.
Saturday night entertainment will include the ‘Day of the Dead Party’, the ‘Big Smoke Brass Band’, and the ‘Massaoke Afterparty’. Sunday entertainment will include the ‘Flash Bang Brass LED Dance Experience’ and a Shrek tribute band, ‘The Ogretones’.
- Dates: Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025
- Opening times: Gates open at 6 pm on Saturday and 4.30 pm on Sunday. Last entry is 8 pm on Saturday and 6:30 pm on Sunday.
- Ticketing: £14.20 for adults aged 16+, plus a £1.42 booking fee, and £9.50 for juniors aged 5-15, plus a £0.95 booking fee. Children under age 5 are free. Tickets are bookable online.
- Address: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London, SW11 4NJ
- Nearest train station: Battersea Park Tube Station (a 4-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Wimbledon Park: Essential info
Wimbledon isn’t all about tennis. Each year, this bonfire event involves fireworks and a light show, with a focus on music. A step away from a traditional bonfire, this one is popular with many.
- Dates: Saturday 8 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 5:15 pm for the 6:45 pm family-friendly show and at 7.15 pm for the 8.30 pm standard show.
- Ticketing: £14.84 for adults aged 16, £10.60 for juniors aged 5-15, or £42.46 for two adults and two juniors. Children under age 4 are free. Tickets are bookable online.
- Address: Wimbledon Park, London, SW19 7HR
- Nearest train station: Wimbledon Park Tube Station (a 3-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night in Birmingham
Three Birmingham bonfire events to look forward to include those at Edgbaston Stadium, Rowheath Pavilion, and Highgate United Football Club. Avanti makes it easy to reach Birmingham by train, where you can enjoy a variety of activities.
You can also easily reach the outskirts from the main New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill Stations.
Bonfire Night at Edgbaston: Essential info
This year, the popular Bonfire Night show at Edgbaston Stadium is on the theme of the animal kingdom. Tech, music, and light artistry will come together in a drone light show named ‘WILD’.
- Dates: Saturday 8 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 5 pm for a 6:30 pm start.
- Ticketing: £12 for adults aged 18+, plus a £1.20 booking fee, £9.50 for juniors aged 3-17, plus a £0.70 booking fee, and £7 for adults aged 65+, students, and NHS staff, plus a £0.70 booking fee. Children under age 3 and carers with a registered carer ID are free. Tickets are bookable online.
- Address: Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU
- Nearest train station: Five Ways Station (a 37-minute walk or 7-minute taxi away)
Bonfire Night at Rowheath Pavilion: Essential info
Ideal for those with sensitive ears, Rowheath Pavilion is running a low-noise Bonfire Night with quiet fireworks. There’ll also be fairground rides and street food, ideal for families with children of all ages.
- Dates: Friday 31 October 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 4 pm for a low-noise display at 6 pm and the main display at 7:30 pm
- Ticketing: £7.50, and children under age 3 are free. Tickets are bookable online.
- Address: Rowheath Pavilion, Heath Road, Birmingham, B30 1HH
- Nearest train station: Bournville Station (a 17-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Highgate United Football Club: Essential info
Highgate United Football Club is holding its ‘Hellfire Halloween and Bonfire’ event once again this year. Expect two fireworks displays, a giant bonfire, rides, live music, a fire breather, children’s entertainment, soft play, and more. The event will raise money for Matt’s Mission Children’s Charity.
- Dates: Saturday 1 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 6:30 pm for the giant bonfire at 6 pm, and the fireworks displays are at 7:30 pm and 9 pm.
- Ticketing: £12 for adults aged 12+, £7 for juniors under 12, or £25 for families of four (two children and two adults or three children and one adult). Children under age 2 are free. Tickets are bookable online and available at the gate.
- Address: Highgate United Football Club, 298 Tythe Barn Lane, Shirley, Birmingham, B90 1PH
- Nearest train station: Whitlocks End Station (a 5-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night in Manchester
Manchester City Council no longer hosts many previously popular bonfire events due to cost-related reasons. However, there are events taking place in the surrounding areas.
Three great options include those at Cockfields Farm Park, Woodford Community Centre, and Bowdon Cricket, Hockey, and Squash Club.
Reaching Manchester is easy from across the UK when you travel with Avanti. Once in the city, there are countless train connections throughout wider Manchester. You can catch these from the Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria, and Deansgate stations. This means quick, seamless travel to many attractions across the wider city.
Bonfire Night at Cockfields Farm Park: Essential info
Cockfields Farm Park will host a low-bang fireworks display featuring Disney music. Ideal for young children, this display also includes animal feeding and carousel rides. There’ll be toasted marshmallows available too, not to mention pizza, jacket potatoes, hot dogs, and doughnuts.
- Dates: Saturday 1, Sunday 2, and Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 4 pm for entry to the farm before the fireworks display at 7 pm.
- Ticketing: £14.95 for adults and children, and £4.95 for children aged under 1. Tickets are limited, so online booking is advised.
- Address: Cockfields Farm Park, Lees New Road, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 8AR
- Nearest train station: Mossley Station (an 11-minute taxi away)
Bonfire Night at Woodford Community Centre: Essential info
Woodford Community Centre will host its family bonfire event again this year. Expect a bonfire, two fireworks displays, fairground attractions, and food.
- Dates: Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Opening times: Gates open at 6 pm for the 6:30 pm bonfire, 7 pm children’s fireworks display, and 8 pm main display.
- Ticketing: £10 for adults, plus a £1.05 booking fee; £5 for children aged 3-16, plus a £0.75 booking fee; or £30 for families of two adults and three children, plus a £2.25 booking fee. Children under age 3 are free.
- Address: Woodford War Memorial Community Centre, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 1PS
- Nearest train station: Poynton or Bramhall Train Stations (a 43-minute walk or 6-minute taxi away)
Bonfire Night at Bowdon Cricket, Hockey, and Squash Club: Essential info
Bowdon Cricket, Hockey, and Squash Club’s traditional bonfire is set to be a popular choice this year, featuring three fireworks displays, refreshments, and family activities. Expect BBQs, licensed bars, and toffee apples.
- Dates: Friday 7 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 6 pm for the children’s fireworks display at 7 pm, the bonfire at 7:20, the second fireworks display at 8 pm, and the grand finale fireworks display at 8:45 pm.
- Ticketing: £16.58 for adults, £9.12 for juniors aged 3-13, or £43.23 for families of two adults and two children, with each price including booking fees. Children under age 3 are free.
- Address: Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club, South Downs Road, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
- Nearest train station: Hale Station (a 23-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night in Liverpool
Three fantastic Liverpool Bonfire Night fireworks displays include those at The Totally Wicked Stadium, Liverpool College, and Birkenhead Park Rugby Club.
When travelling to Liverpool, you’ll arrive at central stations like Lime Street, Liverpool Central, and James Street. From here, it’s easy to zip to smaller Liverpool stations to explore other local attractions.
Bonfire Night at The Totally Wicked Stadium: Essential Info
Returning for the fourth year, From the Ground Comes Light is a popular bonfire event at Liverpool’s Totally Wicked Stadium. The event features a DJ, dancers, musicians, face painting, and inflatables.
- Dates: Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 5:30 pm
- Ticketing: £10 for adults, £6 for children aged up to £11, and £25 for families (two adults and two children)
- Address: McManus Drive, Peasley Cross Lane, Saint Helens, WA9 3AL
- Nearest train station: St Helens Central Station (a 16-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Liverpool College Sports Hall: Essential info
Liverpool College is hosting its annual bonfire event, complete with games, face painting, and a bar. The evening will end with a professional fireworks display. Bring cash for stalls that don’t accept card payments.
- Dates: Friday 7 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 5 pm and last entry is 7 pm for the display at 7.30 pm.
- Ticketing: £10 for adults and £6 for children. Children under age 3 are free.
- Address: Liverpool College Sports Hall, United Kingdom, L18 8BG
- Nearest train station: Mossley Hill Station (a 19-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Birkenhead Park Rugby Club: Essential info
Birkenhead Park Rugby Club will be holding its family-friendly fireworks display at this year’s Bonfire Night Bonanza. Please note that bringing your own sparklers or other fireworks is not permitted.
- Dates: Sunday 2 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 6.30 pm
- Ticketing: £10 for adults, £5 for children, or £30 for families of two adults and three children
- Address: Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, 141 Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA
- Nearest train station: Birkenhead Park Station (a 7-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night in Glasgow
There aren’t many bonfire events in central Glasgow this year. However, there are plenty of dazzling options lined up in the surrounding areas. Three top picks include those at Royal Highland Centre, Helensburgh Civic Centre, and Lenzie Rugby Club.
You’ll find both Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street offer plenty of connections to the surrounding areas.
Bonfire Night at Royal Highland Centre: Essential info
Royal Highland Centre will host the Fawkes Festival this year. The event will attract visitors to its pyrotechnics, bonfire, sensory fireworks experience, immersive live entertainment, and laser show.
- Dates: Sunday 2 November
- Opening times: Doors open at 2 pm and last entry is at 6 pm
- Ticketing: £14.70 for adults aged 16+ and £9.45 for juniors aged 2-15. Carers and children under age 2 can enter for free.
- Address: Royal Highland Centre, The Stables, 2 Ingliston Rd, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB
- Nearest train station: Edinburgh Gateway Station (a 5-minute taxi away)
Bonfire Night at Helensburgh Civic Centre: Essential info
The Helensburgh Civic Centre’s free fireworks display always draws a crowd thanks to its dazzling show, along with its many food choices.
- Dates: Sunday 2 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 4 pm for the 6 pm fireworks display
- Ticketing: Free, although online donations are encouraged
- Address: 38 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 7PG
- Nearest train station: Helensburgh Station (a 4-minute walk away)
Bonfire Night at Lenzie Rugby Club: Essential info
Lenzie Rugby Club is hosting its popular bonfire event again this year. There’ll be plenty of musical entertainment, food, and a display from an award-winning fireworks provider. While children will enjoy glow toys, adults will love the gin, prosecco, and beer tent.
- Dates: Friday 7 November 2025
- Opening times: Doors open at 6 pm
- Ticketing: £12.62 for adults, £8.30 for juniors under age 18, £32.13 for families of two adults and one child, £39.71 for families of two adults and two children, or £47.30 for families of two adults and three children. Children under age 3 are free.
- Address: Lenzie Rugby Club, Viewfield Avenue, Lenzie, G66 4RB
- Nearest train station: Lenzie Station (a 10-minute walk away)
Tips for enjoying Bonfire Night safely
Here are four simple tips to make the most of your Bonfire Night celebrations and enjoy the evening safely.
1. Buy tickets in advance
While some bonfire events are free, others charge admission, either online or at the gate. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment where possible, especially if you’d like to attend one of the more popular events.
2. Expect crowds
Bonfire events are likely to be busy, especially the largest celebrations. If you’re attending a London event, the tubes will also be busy. Ensure your children are prepared for large crowds and know to stay with you at all times.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early and beat the queues.
3. Take your experience beyond the fireworks
Choose a bonfire event with activities that will make the experience especially magical for your loved ones. You might consider events with:
- Children’s activities
- Seasonal food and drink carts
- Live music
- A fairground
- Sensory-friendly times that limit bright lights and loud booms
There are plenty of options UK-wide, so you can find the right event for your group.
4. Prepare for the Autumn weather
The unpredictable British weather means there’s every chance your evening out will be wet and cold. Bring plenty of layers, including waterproof coats, wellies for muddy fields, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Ear protection can also be a good idea for children who might not like the loud bangs.
Travelling to Bonfire Night by train with Avanti
Wherever you travel for Bonfire Night, booking your event and travel tickets is essential to secure the best events and train times for you.
Book in advance for the lowest prices, and invest in a Railcard to save a third on ticket prices. If you’ll be travelling with loved ones, save even more with our family fares. Travelling by rail, you’ll avoid car congestion and parking fees while you enjoy stress-free, sustainable travel.