The Best Firework Displays in London: 2021 Edition
Everybody, no matter who you ask, has at least one bonfire-infused memory of Firework Night as a child. It’s the one time of the year where your parents would actually allow you to hold a small stick of fire in your hands – what’s not to love?! The smell of the barbecue, the sizzle of the sparklers, the “oooohs” and “aaaahs” of the enraptured onlookers… there’s something about Firework Night that I think turns everybody into a child again.
We could all do with experiencing a bit of our inner child again. After last year got cancelled, firework displays are back, and they are bigger and better than ever. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite displays over the years, and I’m ready to divulge my secrets to the best Firework Night you’ll have since you were about 12. The nostalgia is real, folks.
1. Alexandra Palace Firework Display
When: Saturday 6th November 2021
Where: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
What makes it so great: Let’s kick this list off with an all-time classic! More of an autumnal one-day festival than a firework display, the Fireworks at Ally Pally are jam-packed with crazy entertainment, amazing food, and plenty of alcohol. There’s a Bavarian Bier festival on site, an ice-skating rink, a fire show (independent of the fireworks); there’s even a Spice Girls tribute act, because we all know the one thing that was missing from your local church’s firework display as a child was a rendition of Wannabee… tickets are surprisingly reasonable at £13.50pp and there are still available on their website.
2. Beckenham Fireworks in the Park
When: TBC
Where: Croydon Road Recreation Ground, London BR3 3NR
What makes it so great: You asked for one amazing firework display… well, how about two separate ones in one night?! Beckenham Fireworks in the Park has been going since 1946 and they’ve got it down to a fine art after all this time… with a quieter, kid-friendly firework display in the early evening as well as a louder, watershed display later in the night, there’s something for everyone down at Croydon Road Recreation Ground. They’ll be street food stalls, a funfair, and a crazy lights display… pretty much everything you need for a great Guy Fawkes night. Click here for more info.
3. Battersea Park Fireworks
When: 6th and 7th November 2021
Where: Albert Bridge Road, London SW11 4
What makes it so great: Set against the imposing background of Battersea Park power station, the Battersea Park annual Firework Display is a highlight of the London calendar. The presence of the Thames makes this one of the most beautiful displays in London every year, as you can see the fireworks reflected in the soft waves of the river. One of the major perks of the Battersea display is the over 18 only after party, which takes place each year at Battersea Evolution, one of the largest events venues in the capital. They’ll be food, live music, and multiple bars at this after party so make sure you get yourself and your mates’ a ticket!!
4. Wimbledon Park Fireworks
When: TBC
Where: Wimbledon Park Road, Wimbledon SM4 5DX ·
What makes it so great: Witness a spectacular display of pyrotechnics at the Wimbledon Park Fireworks. New for 2019 was a fire and light show by performers Flame Oz and Halo, replacing the bonfires as part of Merton Council's commitment to climate change, so we can only imagine what they’ve got in store for us at this year’s event! Wimbledon Park is a vast common but even so, it’ll get packed out so be sure you get there early!
5. Newham’s Guy Fawkes Night
When: TBC
Where: Silvertown Docks, East Ham, E20.
What makes it so great: Last but not least, we have Newham’s Guy Fawkes down on Silvertown Docks. Taking advantage of their prime position down on the Royal Docks, Newham’s firework display, there will be a funfair, a lights display, and a DJ set to dance the night away with. Don’t forget to stop by the mulled wine store – what would autumn be without a mulled beverage or two… or three…
There you have it, five incredible displays taking place early next month in east, west, north, ans south, London! I am planning on updating this page as the 5th gets nearer, to give you all the latest information you need to have the best Fireworks Night ever!
Words by Rebecca Clayton