To be honest, I don’t know too much about Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night; but any excuse for fireworks is a good idea to me! So I’ve put together a list of five amazing places to watch the fireworks all over the city. Whether you live on or off campus, you can count on some fireworks being close by.
Alexandra Palace Firework Festival
Nov 2 & 3
Ally Pally, as it’s sometimes called, holds an amazing fireworks display every November. Perched on a hill overlooking London, the fireworks light up the sky no matter what English weather is in store. In addition there are circus acrobats, a German Bier festival and much more! As a consequence, the Ally Pally event is ticketed – so if you are thinking of attending do book in advance. I suggest scheduling in some time for ice skating as well. The rink is inside so no amount of rain can ruin the fun. There are also stalls for mulled wine, beer and amazing food.
Closest tube/train station: Alexandra Palace
Battersea Park Fireworks Display
Nov 3
Battersea Park fireworks are right in central London, so you can almost always view them if your view of the sky is clear. Like Ally Pally, this event is also ticketed and requires purchase prior to the evening. Jubilee Fireworks are to thank for this amazing display, with food and drinks available on site.
Closest tube/train station: Queenstown Road/Battersea Park
Wimbledon Park Fireworks
Nov 5
If you’re looking for a show closer to campus, make sure to check out the Wimbledon Park display. It takes place at the northern end of the park, and gates plus funfair open at 5:15pm. There’s tons of space, so bring your friends. Enjoy the funfair and more food and drink stalls.
Closest tube/train station: Southfields/Wimbledon Park
Victoria Park
Nov 4
This event is absolutely free and brags about being the biggest fireworks event – 90,000 people attend. Rather than just big bangs and flashes, the show works around a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Mary Shelley’s novel ‘Frankenstein’. Like the rest of the locations on our list, food and drink are available to all from 6pm, with the fireworks starting at 7pm.
Closest tube/train station: Bethnal Green/Mile End
Barnes
Nov 3
For our night owls, the Barnes Sports Club Fireworks Display has a late night after-party. Fireworks start at 7:45pm. This event is a bit pricier than most at £15 entry on the door (£10 in advance), but the night is always amazing. Last year 2,500 people turned up!
Closest tube/train station: Barnes Bridge
Southlands
Nov 7
Just a sneaky extra one! On campus, Southlands will be hosting their annual fireworks party from 6, with fireworks from 7. It’s free, is always a huge success, and is super convenient – don’t miss out!
Did I miss any of your favourite spots to watch the fireworks? Let me know where you will watch this year and send in some Instagram/Snapchat worthy photos to @uni_roehampton!