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Fireworks in London 2008
 
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November is the month that likes to go with a bang – and an explosive one at that. The 5th November marks Guy Fawkes' failed plot to blow up Parliament with the kind of pyrotechnics Mr Fawkes could only dream of. This year there's a host of fireworks displays, processions, festivals and funfairs planned across the capital.
 The biggest of the capital's fireworks is the finale to the Lord Mayor's Show when the newly appointed Lord Mayor takes office. With more than half a tonne of fireworks released in half an hour, sky rocketing over the Thames, it's an awe inspiring sight that can be seen for miles around.   Alexandra Palace Fireworks Display
Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Saturday 8th November 2008 One of London's longest running fireworks displays takes place at this well-known landmark affectionately referred to as "The People's Palace" or "Ally Pally". It first opened in 1873 as a massive Victorian entertainment centre and has hosted a fireworks spectacular for the past hundred years, illuminating the city skyline. Its elevated vantage point overlooking a wide open parkland means there's no ugly scuffling to get to the 'best' spot. And, in addition to the pyrotechnics right in front of you, there are marvellous views of other fireworks displays across east London. Admission is by donation and the list of extra attractions like indoor and outdoor funfairs, the ice rink and - this year - Britain's largest German Bier Fest makes this one of the better bonfire nights and a north London institution. Venue: Alexandra Palace Address: Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 2121 Date: Saturday 8th November 2008 Time: German Bier Fest 4.30pm-11pm | Fireworks 7.30pm Pricing: By Donation - £4 (Adults), £2 (Children) Nearest Station: Wood Green Tube Alexandra Palace Fireworks Display - Information  Fireworks at Battersea Park
Battersea Park Road, SW11 4NJ Saturday 1st November 2008 Battersea Park's beautiful riverside setting hosts the biggest and best display south of the river. This flagship event features a massive bonfire and monster fireworks including all the old favourites such as rockets, Catherine wheels and Roman candles. It is a truly impressive light show set to music and this year's theme is 'Paint the Whole World with a Rainbow', so expect lots of blazing, colourful effects. Warming food and drink stalls abound to get you in the Bonfire Night spirit and kids will love all the glow-in-the-dark tack on sale. Crowds often reach 45,000, give or take a couple of thousand, so get there early and remember to wrap up warm! LondonTown.com tip: If you don't want to pay and don't like loud pop music with your fireworks, this display can be seen from miles around and looks particularly lovely reflected in the water from the other side of the Thames. Venue: Battersea Park Address: Battersea Park Road, SW11 4NJ Phone: 020 8871 8108 Date: Saturday 1st November 2008 Time: Gates open 6.30pm | Bonfire 7.30pm | Fireworks 8pm Pricing: £5 (Adults), £1 (Under 10s) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube / Battersea Park Rail Fireworks at Battersea Park - Information  Bishops Park Fireworks
Bishop's Avenue, SW6 6SX Friday 7th November 2008 This Fulham fiesta, next to the famous football ground, is the west London warm-up to Saturday's huge event at Ravenscourt Park. Especially suited to parents with young children, there's a funfair and an early evening fireworks display just for little ones but no scary bonfire. Visitors are also asked to leave the alcohol and sparklers at home. There is food and (non-alcoholic) drink for all ages, finishing off with a sparkling fireworks display. The pyrotechnics are provided by top supplier Pains who put the sparkle into events like Kew Gardens' Summer Swing concerts. For those who want to enjoy Bonfire Night without the pressure of big crowds, Bishops Park is the ideal choice to make your evening go with a bang. Viewing for people with disabilities: Craven Cottage Gate, Stevenage Road. Venue: Bishops Park Address: Bishop's Avenue, SW6 6SX Phone: 0871 221 1729 Date: Friday 7th November 2008 Time: Gates open 6pm | Chidren's fireworks 7.15pm | Fireworks 8pm Pricing: £4 (In Advance), £6 (On the gate), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: Fulham Broadway Tube Bishops Park Fireworks - Information  Blackheath Fireworks
Shooters Hill Road, SE3 8PR Saturday 8th November 2008 Blackheath's fireworks display totally lights up the Lewisham skyline on this Saturday night in November. This Guy Fawkes show gets more spectacular every year and 2008 should be no exception with promises of lots of 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' effects. The village atmosphere of the area is sure to mean there'll be a family-friendly vibe, even with 40,000 visitors, and refreshment stalls will keep your whole clan munching throughout the show. There is a note of caution from the organisers though - don't drive to this event. We can back them up on this from personal experience; you won't get within a mile of the place in your car so get the train and avoid the stress - the nearest stop is Blackheath or it's around a 10-minute walk to the heath from Lewisham Station. Alternatively, you can see the fireworks from the bottom of the Isle of Dogs, with Greenwich lit up in the foreground, making for some great photo opportunities. Venue: Blackheath Address: Shooters Hill Road, SE3 8PR Phone: 08707 510 025 Date: Saturday 8th November 2008 Time: Fireworks 8pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Blackheath Rail Blackheath Fireworks - Information  Brockwell Park Fireworks
Dulwich Road, SE24 0EN Wednesday 5th November 2008 The young 'trendies' of Brixton and Herne Hill turn this attractive display into a memorable party. Set against the amazing views of London within the 124-acre park, spectators enjoy a good vantage point from the top of the hill near to Brockwell Hall, a handsome Regency lodge. This is one of three pyrotechnic displays being organised by Lambeth Council to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night..."Remember, remember the 5th of November". With spectacular displays like this taking place across the capital throughout the week, how could we forget? Venue: Brockwell Park Address: Dulwich Road, SE24 0EN Phone: 020 7926 6207 Date: Wednesday 5th November 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Herne Hill Rail Brockwell Park Fireworks - Information  Clapham Common Fireworks
Clapham Common South Side, SW4 9DA Wednesday 5th November 2008 The most dazzling of Lambeth Council's three spectacular displays takes place on Clapham's famous green space with the whizz-bangs being set off at the Rookery Road end of the common. Within Lambeth on the same night you can also see displays at Brockwell Park and Streatham Common. But here, the entire common is taken over by a party atmosphere and you can also visit fairground rides and sample mouth-watering snacks throughout the night. If all that star gazing has worked up a thirst and you're in need of a quick pint, we recommend heading to the nearby Windmill pub which unofficially hosts the after-show party and also serves as a convenient place to meet up with your mates. This is a popular event and crowds of 40,000 are expected so getting there early is advised. Venue: Clapham Common Address: Clapham Common South Side, SW4 9DA Phone: 020 7926 6207 Date: Wednesday 5th November 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Clapham Common Tube Clapham Common Fireworks - Information  Diwali at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, NW10 8LD Tuesday 28th October 2008 On Tuesday 28th October, the largest Hindu temple outside India, Neasden Temple - or the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to give it its full name - forms a spectacular backdrop for a huge fireworks display. The Mandir's towering marble pinnacles will be lit up by a clutch of colourful fireworks in celebration of Diwali, the 'Festival of Lights'. A significant date religiously for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, the temple - usually a centre for quiet worship, with signs indicating that silence is requested - becomes a riot of squeals, bangs and colour. Close your eyes and you could believe you are in India. Highly recommended. Venue: Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Address: 105/115 Brentfield Road, Neasden, NW10 8LD Phone: 020 8965 2651 Date: Tuesday 28th October 2008 Time: From 6.30pm. Fireworks 9pm. Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Neasden Tube Diwali and Hindu New Year at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Information  Fireworks Night at Ealing Cricket Club
Corfton Road, W5 2HS Saturday 8th November 2008 The organisers behind this night have got to be credited with coming up with the best ever concept for a fireworks display. The event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the RAF and the music mix is overlaid with digitally remastered quotes from Winston Churchill. Expect lots of rousing classics like Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance Marches as well as war film soundtracks from Ron Goodwin and Bernstein - by the end you'll be patriotically wiping a tear from your eye at Churchill's words as the blazes of light shoot into the sky! Genius! This lively cricket club has a busy social calendar and loves to throw open its gates to the general public for its fireworks bash. There's a bonfire, BBQ and mulled wine to create a toasty autumn night out as well as the usual fun rides, novelty stalls and candy floss. One of our favourites! Venue: Ealing Cricket Club Address: Corfton Road, W5 2HS Date: Saturday 8th November 2008 Time: Gates open 6pm | Fireworks & Bonfire 7.30pm Pricing: £5 (Adults), £3 (Under 14s - accompanied) Nearest Station: Ealing Broadway Tube / Rail Fireworks Night at Ealing Cricket Club - Information  Kingston Community Fireworks Display
Kingsmeadow Athletics and Fitness Centre, KT1 3PB Friday 7th November 2008 Kingston's annual community fireworks event is held in the impressive grounds of Kingsmeadow Centre. Football fans might be more familiar with this venue as the home ground of Kingstonian FC and AFC Wimbledon. But for one night, instead of eyes fixed on the ground, everyone will be looking up as the sky is lit up with rockets and missiles, flares and fountains. This much-loved annual display, hosted by the local council in partnership with Kingston Round Table and Rotary Club, promises to be full of colour, noise and excitement with children's rides and entertainment too. Firework safety is paramount at this family-orientated event so this does means that no sparklers are permitted on the site. Still, there's sure to be enough bright lights and big bangs on show to keep everyone entertained. Venue: Kingsmeadow Athletics and Fitness Centre Address: 422A Kingston Road, KT1 3PB Phone: 020 8547 5016 Date: Friday 7th November 2008 Time: Gates open 6.30pm | Gates close 7.45pm | Fireworks 8pm Pricing: £6 (Adults), £4 (Children), Free (Under 5s) | In Advance (before 6th Nov) £4 (Adults), £3 (Children 5-11) Nearest Station: Kingston Rail Kingston Community Firework Display - Information  Lord Mayor's Show
Mansion House, EC4N 8BH Saturday 8th November 2008 This annual event has been taking over the streets of London for nearly 800 years now. The parade involves over 6,000 people, military marching bands, Chinese acrobats, a procession of decorated floats and a gilded State Coach that the Lord Mayor travels in. This event features possibly the most dangerous and amazing of all the public shows in the capital; river barges are piled high with explosives and set adrift on the Thames with several fearless firework-ers on board. The best vantage points tend to be around the Embankment and Gabriel's Wharf. If you are really on the ball, get there early and grab the best seats in the house in the public gallery of the Oxo Tower. The procession leaves Mansion House at 11am after an RAF flypast and travels via St Paul's to the Royal Courts of Justice before returning along Victoria Embankment at 1pm, reaching Mansion House at about 2.30pm. Then for the grand finale; the day finishes with one of London's most impressive fireworks displays at 5pm, set off from a barge moored in the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges. Venue: Streets of London Address: Starts at Mansion House, EC4N 8BH Date: Saturday 8th November 2008 Time: Procession starts 11am | Fireworks display on the Thames 5pm Pricing: Free along the route | Grandstand at St Paul's is sold out Nearest Station: Mansion House Tube Lord Mayor's Show - Information  Ravenscourt Park Fireworks
Paddenswick Road, W6 0UL Saturday 8th November 2008 West London's favourite Bonfire Night display draws a massive crowd. The 32-acre park is a superb space and there's a truly gigantic bonfire to warm the crowds before a spectacular pyrotechnic show, which is among the most extravagant in London, exploding enough gunpowder to give Guy Fawkes a run for his money in this jaw-dropping display. One of the most remarkable things about this event is the buzz in the crowd as you approach, walking along picturesque surburban streets. Locals are justifiably proud of this world-class spectacle which lights the sky for over half an hour. Ravenscourt Park always puts on a great display and being alcohol-free is also a good choice for parents with young children. Viewing for people with disabilities: Opposite the Stamford Hospital on Ravenscourt Park. Venue: Ravenscourt Park Address: Paddenswick Road, W6 0UL Phone: 0871 221 1729 Date: Saturday 8th November 2008 Time: Gates open 6pm | Children's fireworks 7.15pm | Bonfire 7.30pm | Fireworks 8pm Pricing: £4(In Advance), £6 (On the gate), Free (Under 5s) Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park Tube Ravenscourt Park Fireworks - Information  Roundwood Park Fireworks Display
Harlesden Road, NW10 3SH 5th November 2008 One of the few fireworks displays in London taking place on the actual day that Guy Fawkes tried to execute his treasonous plot, this annual display by Brent Council takes place in the picturesque setting of Roundwood Park. This scenic Victorian park - opened in 1895 and Grade II listed - will reverberate to the sound of rockets and fire crackers as the north-west London skyline is lit up. Gates open at 6.45pm for this free event and the whooshes, bangs and aaaahs start at 8pm, so make sure you get the kids there in plenty of time to enjoy the funfair before the show takes off. Venue: Roundwood Park Address: Harlesden Road, NW10 3SH Phone: 020 8937 5619 Date: 5th November 2008 Time: Gates open 6.45pm | Fireworks 8pm | Ends 9pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Willesden Junction Tube Roundwood Park Fireworks Display - Information  Southwark Fireworks Night
Southwark Park, SE16 2UA Wednesday 5th November 2008 The details of this family friendly fireworks night are still to be confirmed but we're expecting it to be a magical affair if last year's event with a glittering lantern parade is anything to go by. Featuring costumes and music and a twinkling line of lanterns as well as scores of awe-struck children in 2007, this is definitely one for the youngsters with Southwark Council promising more family fun for 2008. Check back for more details but plan to wrap up the kiddiewinks in their bobble hats and scarves and set out for this south London celebration. It's especially pretty given its waterside location as the lights dance on the surface and reflect the eye-catching explosions. Venue: Southwark Park Address: Lower Road, SE16 2UA Phone: 020 7525 2000 Date: Wednesday 5th November 2008 Time: 6.30pm-7.45pm | Fireworks 7.30pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Canada Water Tube Southwark Fireworks Night - Information  Streatham Common Fireworks
Streatham High Road, SW16 5NJ Wednesday 5th November 2008 Catch the south London vibe at this fantastic free fireworks event - one of three displays being hosted by Lambeth Council on Guy Fawkes' actual day. Fun for all the family is guaranteed with funfair rides, refreshments and the inevitably teeth-shattering sticky toffee apples. The display takes place on top of the hill on the common so the best approach is from Streatham High Road. Venue: Streatham Common Address: Streatham High Road, SW16 5NJ Phone: 020 7926 6207 Date: Wednesday 5th November 2008 Time: 7.30pm Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Streatham Rail Streatham Common Fireworks - Information  Thorpe Blast
Thorpe Park, KT16 8PN Friday 7th November 2008 - Sunday 9th November 2008 Thorpe Park has cranked up the thrill element in the last few years to appeal to young adults and families with teenagers. On this special weekend adrenalin junkies can rocket down over 30 spine-tingling rides to a backdrop of fireworks and banging tunes. Thrill-seekers can still scream their way to ecstasy aboard the park's high octane rides too. Braving rollercoasters Stealth, Nemesis Inferno and Colossus in the dark will offer a whole new theme park experience. Regular trains run direct from Waterloo to Staines - journey times range from 30-40 mins. Venue: Thorpe Park Address: Staines Road, Chertsey, KT16 8PN Phone: 020 7437 4370 Date: Friday 7th November 2008 - Sunday 9th November 2008 Time: Fireworks 7pm | Park open until 8pm Pricing: Advance - £24 (Adults), £16 (Under 12s) | On the gate - £32 (Adults), £20 (Under 12s) Nearest Station: Staines Rail Thorpe Blast - Information |
