Where to watch free firework displays this Bonfire Night

You don’t have to splash out on expensive tickets to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, a roaring bonfire or a family evening with friends.

Across the UK, communities are preparing free fireworks displays, torchlight processions, live music, fairs and seasonal food and drink.

Some events take place on 5 November itself, while others are scheduled for the surrounding weekends, giving plenty of opportunities to wrap up warm and join the celebrations.

Best of all, the events below are free to attend, although you may need to pay for parking, food, drinks or other activities.

We’ve rounded up free Bonfire Night events and fireworks displays to enjoy this year.

South-west England

Bonfire Night on the Hoe, Plymouth

If you’re in Devon, Plymouth Hoe offers a waterfront setting for Bonfire Night. This major free event features a community bonfire, fireworks and evening entertainment.

Festivities are due to begin at 4pm, with the bonfire scheduled to be lit at 7pm and fireworks following at 7.30pm. Fairground rides and food stalls add to the evening’s attractions.

When: Thursday, 5 November 2026

Where: Plymouth Hoe, near Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth, PL1 2PA

Cost: Free entry. Food, drinks and fairground rides cost extra.

Bradford-on-Avon Fireworks Display, Wiltshire

You don’t have to wait until Bonfire Night itself to enjoy fireworks. Bradford-on-Avon is bringing the celebrations forward with a free community event at Poulton Park.

Expect a family-friendly atmosphere, live music, food and drink stalls, fairground rides, and a fireworks display designed to reduce its environmental impact.

It’s an early opportunity to enjoy the festivities with the family.

When: Sunday, 1 November 2026, 4pm - 7pm

Where: Poulton Park, Bradford-on-Avon

Cost: Free entry, with donations welcome. Food, drinks and rides may cost extra.

South coast and southern England

Worthing Pier Fireworks, West Sussex

For fireworks over the sea, Worthing Pier could be a great choice.

The display is scheduled for 7.30pm, with fireworks launched from the end of the pier. Watch from the seafront and promenade, where you may also find a funfair and street food stalls before the show.

When: Thursday, 5 November 2026

Where: Worthing seafront and promenade

Cost: Free to watch, with donations collected for Worthing Lions charity. Food, fairground attractions and travel cost extra.

The Harbour Club Fireworks, Shoreham-by-Sea

For an evening by the water, the Harbour Club in Shoreham-by-Sea is another event to consider.

The advertised programme includes food and drinks from 4pm, a live DJ from 5pm and fireworks at 7.30pm.

When: Friday, 6 November 2026

Where: Harbour Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5HG

Cost: Free entry. Food and drinks are extra

Southsea Common Fireworks Display, Portsmouth

Portsmouth is preparing for one of Hampshire’s major free public fireworks displays on Southsea Common.

The site is due to open at 4pm, giving you time to explore the food stalls and entertainment before the main display at 7pm. A funfair and refreshments will also be available.

If you’re attending with children, arrive early to find a suitable viewing spot and enjoy the activities before the crowds build.

When: Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Where: Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3LR

Cost: Free entry. Food, refreshments and funfair attractions may cost extra.

Hastings Bonfire and Torchlight Procession, East Sussex

Hastings kicks off the celebrations early with its traditional bonfire event, combining a torchlight procession with an evening of fire and fireworks.

The programme includes a children’s Guy-making competition, a junior procession, the main torchlight procession, beacon lighting, a bonfire and a fireworks finale on the beach.

When: Saturday, 17 October 2026, procession starts at 7.15pm

Where: Hastings seafront, Hastings, East Sussex

Cost: Free entry, with donations welcome.

Brockham Bonfire, Surrey

For a traditional village celebration, head to Brockham in the Surrey Hills for an evening of bonfire festivities.

Activities begin in the late afternoon, with the torchlight procession scheduled to start at 6pm. Accompanied by a marching band, it winds through the village before returning to Brockham Green for the bonfire lighting at around 7.45pm.

Other highlights include fireworks, food and drink, and the village’s traditional pig auction.

When: Saturday, 7 November 2026

Where: Brockham Village Green, near Dorking, Surrey

Cost: Free entry; £10 per car for parking. Donations are welcome.

London

Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath

If you’re in London and want to avoid paying for a ticket to a major fireworks festival, Parliament Hill is worth considering as a free viewing spot.

The hill offers elevated views across the capital. On a clear evening, you may be able to see fireworks taking place in different parts of London without paying admission to a specific display.

However, this is a viewing location, not a guaranteed organised fireworks event. Visibility depends on the weather and nearby displays, so check access arrangements and local event information before setting off.

Bring a warm coat and arrive in good time. Unlike dedicated events, there may be no facilities or entertainment on site.

When: Around Bonfire Night, check local event information

Where: Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, north London

Cost: Free to visit, subject to access arrangements. No specific fireworks display is guaranteed.

Midlands

Sparks in the Park, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire

If you’re in Nottingham, Ashfield’s Sparks in the Park offers fireworks, entertainment and family fun. Now in its third year, the event features a live DJ, a funfair and, for the first time, a selection of traders.

When: Saturday, 7 November.

Where: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5FU

Cost: Free entry. Check local information for timings and travel advice.

Northern England

Bonfire Night and live music at The Rivelin Inn, Sheffield

Combine fireworks with live music and a barbecue at the Rivelin Inn, where the celebrations will feature fireworks over the Rivelin Valley.

It’s a more relaxed alternative to a large public display, with a community atmosphere. Remember to wrap up warm for the outdoor celebrations.

When: Saturday 7 November 2026 from 7:30pm

Where: The Rivelin Inn, Tofts Lane, Stannington, Sheffield, S6 5SL

Cost: Free admission. Food and drinks may cost extra.

The Elephant's Bonfire Night, Woolton, Liverpool

The Elephant in Woolton is planning two Bonfire Night events, with live music, food and drink offers, and fireworks.

The annual Bonfire Bonanza takes place on Thursday, 5 November, with live music, hot food and family-friendly entertainment.

On Saturday, 7 November, the pub will host a smaller, sensory-friendly event, offering a more relaxed and accessible atmosphere alongside live music and hot food.

When: Thursday, 5 November 2026 and Saturday, 7 November, 2026

Where: The Elephant, 1 Woolton Street, Woolton, Liverpool, L25 5NH

Cost: Free to attend. Check with the venue for the latest event details and any purchase requirements.

Greater Manchester

Several free fireworks events are planned across Greater Manchester this year.

Fireworks at Wythenshawe Park, Platt Fields Park and Heaton Park

Manchester City Council is organising fireworks displays at Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park on Saturday, 7 November.

Each venue will feature a reduced-noise display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, followed by a larger show at 8pm.

Lantern-making workshops and family-friendly lantern parades are also planned ahead of the evening displays.

When: Saturday, 7 November 2026

Where: Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park, Greater Manchester

Cost: Advertised as free. Check the final programme and timings before attending.

Rochdale Bonfire and Fireworks Display, Greater Manchester

Rochdale offers another free, organised fireworks display with a community feel.

The event is scheduled to run from 6pm to 10pm, with the bonfire lit at 7pm and a reduced-noise fireworks display set to music at 7.30pm.

Food and soft drinks will be available to buy. There is no on-site parking, so organisers recommend walking or using public transport. According to the council’s event information, advance booking is not required.

When: Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 6pm - 10pm

Where: Cronkeyshaw Common, Syke, Rochdale, OL12 0QR

Cost: Free entry. Food and soft drinks are extra.

Carlisle Fireshow, Cumbria

Get an early start to the fireworks season at Carlisle Fireshow, which is returning for its 37th year.

This year’s theme celebrates Cumberland’s countdown to the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, with a centrepiece bonfire and fireworks set to music.

Family entertainment and food stalls are advertised from 5pm, with the main show due to start at 6.30pm.

When: Friday, 31 October 2026

Where: Bitts Park, Carlisle

Cost: Free entry.

Scotland

Halfway Community Fireworks, Newton, near Glasgow

The Halfway Community Fireworks event offers a free evening of family entertainment near Glasgow.

The community celebration is advertised to include a funfair opening at 1pm and a free fireworks display at 7pm.

When: Saturday, 7 November 2026

Where: Newton station park-and-ride area, Cambuslang, near Glasgow

Cost: Free fireworks display. Check whether funfair rides or other activities have separate charges.

Make the most of your free Bonfire Night events

Remember that free entry doesn’t mean a completely free evening. Parking, refreshments, fairground rides and travel can all add to the cost, so plan ahead if you’re on a budget.

Before setting off, check organisers’ latest announcements for confirmed dates, timings, accessibility information and last-minute changes. Wrap up warm, plan your journey and arrive early to beat the crowds.