Where to Watch the Fireworks
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Alexandra Palace
No-one does fireworks quite like Ally Pally. It’s been letting off zingers, sending up skyrockets and spinning Catherine wheels into London’s heavens for over 150 years. As well as a German beer festival, laser show and fairground, this venue also boasts the best views over the capital.
Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY; 2nd-3rd November
Visit Fireworks.london
Southwark Park
Southwark Council is delivering its 15th pyrotechnic extravaganza this year. The display is free to residents and one of the few fireworks events in the capital to fall on the very night Guy Fawkes was discovered guarding explosives beneath parliament.
Southwark Park, Southwark, SE16 2UA; 5th November
Visit Southwark.gov.uk
Battersea Park
Award-winning pyro-technicians Jubilee Fireworks will be bringing a spectacular 22-minute show Wandsworth. Feeling chilly? Head over to Circus West Village at Battersea Power Station before or after the fireworks to enjoy one of the many new restaurants, bars and cafes.
Battersea Park, Battersea, SW11 4NJ; 3rd November
Visit Eventbrite.co.uk
Brockwell Park
Brockwell Park is home to two shows: a ‘family films’-themed display kicks off the evening with a show set to tracks from The Greatest Showman, Moana, Frozen and Trolls; followed by the main event, the 'Time Tunnel' powered by Heart FM. Expect high-octane pyrotechnics choreographed to the Spice Girls, Take That and Florence and the Machine.
Brockwell Park, Lambeth, SE24 9BJ; 3rd November
Visit Eventbrite.co.uk
Crystal Palace Park
Another night with two shows, the 7pm slot will be a magical display with fewer bangs for a younger audience. This will be followed by a spectacular light show for the main family fireworks display, which will include choreographed lights, at 8:30pm. Make a day of it and visit the stone dinosaurs while you’re there.
Crystal Palace Park, Crystal Palace, SE19 2GA; 5th November
Visit Gigantic.co.uk
Blackheath
This all-day affair – filled with funfair rides – kicks off at 12pm. Food stalls and bars will open at 5pm, and the fireworks display starts at 8pm. As one of the capital’s few major displays that’s still free, Blackheath attracts crowds of up to 100,000 – just make sure to get there nice and early for a prime spot.
Blackheath, SE3 0TY; 3rd November
Visit Lewisham.gov.uk
Victoria Park
Spectacular fireworks will illuminate the skies above Tower Hamlets on 4th November, when residents can enjoy a free fireworks night in Victoria Park. This year’s display has a ‘monstrous’ theme, inspired by Frankenstein – expect his creation to be rendered in novel, fiery ways by leading pyrotechnical and outdoor theatre company Walk the Plank.
Victoria Park, Hackney, E3 5TB; 4th November
Visit TowerHamlets.gov.uk
Wembley Park
Head to Wembley for their ‘Light Up The Night’ festival, which combines the best of Bonfire Night and Diwali. The event will feature a packed programme of activities, including three stages of live performances, a parade and ‘Doctor Kronovator’s Fire Laboratory’ – an interactive environment with nine ingenious fire installations.
Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0EG; 4th November
Visit WembleyPark.com
Wimbledon Park
Over in Wimbledon Park (where the team prides itself on its unobstructed views of the fireworks), there will be two musical-themed performances; the first will take place at 6:45pm and is more suitable for young children. Entry also includes access to a funfair, plus food and drink refreshment stalls.
Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon, SW19 8AU; 5th November
Visit SeeTickets.com
Scout Park, Bounds Green
This family-friendly firework display and bonfire draws crowds from all over north London. With a variety of food stalls, from Norwegian waffles to handmade falafel wraps and an impressive array of sweet treats, there really is something for everyone. For the second year running, a low-noise display, intended for toddlers and those with autism or sensory requirements, will take place prior to the main event.
Scout Park, Bounds Green, N11 2PB; 3rd November
Visit WildWolfesu.org
Clissold Park
The 2018 Hackney Fireworks Display is taking place at Clissold Park. This year’s event will be enhanced with live music, street performances, street food and bars, plus a children's village and sparkler zone. Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 7:30pm. The event will remain open and in operation after the display until 9pm.
Clissold Park, Hackney, N16 9HJ; 3rd November
Visit Eventbrite.co.uk
Cleveland Square Gardens
This year’s Cleveland Square Guy Fawkes Night will be held on its traditional date. Usually closed to the public, the Paddington gardens will open up to host fireworks set to music, a bonfire and a light show. There will be a BBQ with all its trimmings, plus a bar serving its sell-out mulled wine. The bar and music will continue after the main show.
Cleveland Square Gardens, Paddington, W2 6DH; 5th November
Visit Eventbrite.co.uk
Enjoy indoors here:
Hotel Indigo
Perched nine storeys above Leicester Square, guests can enjoy the capital’s displays on 5th November with a side of unrivalled views over London’s iconic landmarks, including the Shard, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Gherkin – plus an expertly crafted cocktail.
1 Leicester Square, Covent Garden, WC2H 7NA
Visit HotelIndigo.com
Radio Rooftop
With two laser shows most nights – plus a 2am closure from Thursday to Saturday – Radio Rooftop is no stranger to a year-round al fresco knees-up. With its 180-degree view, the bar is an ideal spot to catch all the action over the Thames.
336-337 Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 1HA
Visit RadioRooftop.com
Oblix
Located in The Shard, Oblix is a contemporary restaurant split across two different spaces, offering views across central London from east to west. We’ve always liked it best on autumnal evenings – when the nights begin to draw in early – which offer an impressive sunset vista. Come the 5th, it’ll up the stakes with a night surrounded by fireworks.
The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, SE1 9RY
Visit OblixRestaurant.com
Darwin Brasserie
We’re becoming ever-more enamoured with the restaurants and bars atop the Sky Garden. That might have something to do with the fact all the plants and trees planted in 2014 are gradually growing and blooming. Darwin Brasserie is our pick of the bunch when it comes to views over the urban garden itself, but it also offers a great viewing point for firework displays over east London.
Level 36 Sky Garden, 20 Philpot Lane, City, EC3M 8AF
Visit SkyGarden.london
Mondrian London
We reckon this spot has got the best views in London – down onto the Thames and across to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Festival Hall and Tate Modern. And while the verdant spot is great during the day, it really comes to life at night. Expect to see a selection of shows across the distance while you tuck into all-American food and cocktails.
20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD
Visit RumpusRoomLondon.com
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