I
t’s that time of year again, when London’s skies are lit up by a marvellous array of fireworks displays.
To mark Guy Fawkes Night, bonfires will be lit and rockets sent high into the night sky in a number of spots all over the capital. While a good number of a favourites are returning for 2021, some of sadly won’t be back this year. The displays in Blackheath, Crystal Palace Park, Clissold Park, Kingston, Bishops Park, Southwark Park, Victoria Park have all been cancelled, mostly citing rising Covid cases, with some axing the shows due to council cuts.
Some have already sold out, too — Alexandra Palace and Wimbledon Park among the most prominent — but there are still plenty of places with space remaining. Most events are ticketed, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
ArcelorMittal Orbit
It’s not technically a display, but this one does offer a view that’s hard to beat. Head down to the Olympic Park and 80m up the ArcelorMittal for a truly stunning look at the fireworks happening across London. With views for 20 miles, you’ll have your pick of what to watch. Each ticket includes a complimentary drink.
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20
Battersea Park
This south London display has long been incredibly popular, and it extends to two nights for 2021 — the Saturday is the traditional bonfire celebration, with a German bierkeller, live music, and bumper cars, and an after party that will keep the good times going until midnight. Sunday will be a more family-friendly affair with an impressive light show instead of a bonfire.
Times: from 6pm (November 6), from 5pm (November 7)
Address: Battersea Park, SW11
Barnes
Go for plenty of food, hot mulled wine, a bonfire and (hurrah!) a good old-fashioned best Guy competition. You can buy sparklers at glow-sticks on site, and there will be a DJ on hand to deliver the tunes.
Address: Barnes Sports Club, SW13
Harrow
Celebrate Bonfire Night as well as Diwali at this all-day event, which kicks off at midday and runs until the fireworks in the evening. Expect a fun fair, face-painting, henna hand art, pre-show entertainment and more. Entry is free from noon-3pm, and it’s cash only on the gate after that, although it’s cheaper to buy in advance online.
Times: from midday, fireworks start at 7.45pm approx
Morden Park
The second of a duo of Merton firework displays (the first in Wimbledon Park has already sold out), this one in Morden Park will have two shows — the first will be a family-oriented one with a Disney music theme, while the later edition will feature James Bond music. Keep well fed at the street food village, and have a laugh at the funfair.
Tickets: £9 adults, £7 juniors (aged 5-15), kids aged 4 and under go free, £30 family (two adults, two juniors), merton.gov.uk
Times: from 5.15pm (early show) and 7.15pm (late show)
Address: Morden Park, SM4
Richmond
With a fireworks display choreographed to music, and plenty else besides to keep everyone entertained — from crepes and mulled wine to dance performances and a funfair — this event looks set to be a winner.
Times: from 4.30pm, fireworks start at 7pm, approx
Address: Richmond Athletic Ground, TW9
Totteridge Millhillians
It’s all the usual suspects — food, booze, a bonfire and fireworks — at this popular night in north London. You can buy tickets on the gate, but it’s a tad cheaper if you grab your tickets online beforehand.
Tickets: £8.50 adults (£9.50 on the gate), under 15s £5 (£6 on the gate), £24 families (up to two adults and three under 15s, £29 on the gate), thelittleboxoffice.com
Times: from 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks at 7.40pm
Address: Totteridge Millhillians Cricket Club, N20
Beckenham
This is a long-standing favourite in the calendar — the fireworks have been popping off for more than 70 years. There will be two displays this year, with a earlier show for younger kids (“some small bangs”, organisers say) and the main show later that evening. Food and drink offerings range from jerk chicken to Baileys hot chocolate. It’s tickets on the gate only, both cash and card accepted.
Tickets: £10 adults, £5 kids (aged 11-18), under 11s go free, £20 families (two adults and two kids, or one adult and three kids)
Times: from 5pm, early display at 6pm, main display at 7.45pm
Address: Croydon Road Recreation Ground, BR3
Enfield
The fireworks return to this part of north London, with a big display and a decent array of food and drink stalls to keep everyone happy.
Times: from 5pm, fireworks at 7.30pm
Address: Enfield Town Park, EN2
https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/attractions/bonfire-night-fireworks-2021-london-best-displays-a4277696.html