Bonfire Night London Kids Weekend Scoop

 

 
Remember, remember! The Fifth of November lands on a Saturday this year which means Bonfire Night London 2016 is going to be a truly cracking affair. Looking for the best family friendly fireworks displays around town? Well, search no further as my annual guide has you covered (and don’t forget your baby’s ear plugs/ear defenders).

After cancelling last year, Enfield Town fireworks has said its official farewell for the ages. But there are still lots of Bonfire Night events where you can get your sparkle on.

If Bonfire Night doesn’t light your fire, scroll down for other ways to illuminate your weekend in the Big Smoke.

 

 

Bonfire Night London

 
Thu: Fortismere School Fireworks at Fortismere School Playing Fields, Twyford Avenue entrance, N10 1NE (East Finchley tube)
Titanium Fireworks (of Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve and Edinburgh Castle Hogmanay) put on a dazzling show for Bonfire Night at this well turned out event, also featuring food and drink stalls, kids’ sparkler den and Carters Steam Fair rides. Doors 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm, £5 adv tickets/£7 gate/under 5s FREE (Nov 3)

Fri: Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube then W3 bus to the park, Gate 6 recommended entry)
Bang bang, the biggest and baddest fireworks show in town has transformed itself into a full-on festival, spanning two days. Bonfire Night at Ally Pally is sold out, but you can still catch the Alexandra Palace Fireworks display the night before. Along with all the other fun including Day of the Dead dress-up parade, German Bier festival, giant bonfire, a Family field area with funfair rides, tons of food and drink, plus the usual Ally Pally activities including ice skating. Gates open 4pm, laser show 8.35pm, fireworks 9pm-9.25pm; adult £11/child £8.50/family of 4 £31/child under 10 FREE but require registration with adult ticket purchase (separate charges apply for Bier Festival and ice skating). Advance booking essential.

Fri: Corams Fields Fireworks 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Russell Square tube)
One of the loveliest events on the Guy Fawkes Night calendar, a special fireworks show designed for toddlers and babies who don’t like very loud bangs or huge surprises. Beautiful displays and fire sculpture, with fairground rides and food and drink stalls. All welcome. Gates 3pm, show 5.15pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Nov 4)

Fri: Bishop’s Park Fireworks, Fulham, SW6 6HH (Putney Bridge tube)
Another night goes up in flames over Fulham at this large event featuring two shows, amusement park rides, street food and live entertainment. Gates 5pm, kids show 7.15pm, main show 8.10pm; adult £6 adv (must collect from Lyric Hammersmith box office) or £8 gate/under 5s FREE. NB: No more tickets sold after 6pm on the day (Nov 4)

Sat: Southwark Park Fireworks Display, Gomm Rd, SE16 (Canada Water tube/overground)
Like last year, you’ll have to get your ticket ahead of the event to guarantee entry to this super popular night of fizz and fireworks. Light shows, circus, toys and funfair are all part of the entertainment. 5pm gates, 7pm fireworks (arrive early as huge crowds are expected); FREE but advance tickets essential (Nov 5)

Sat: Crystal Palace Park Fireworks, Thicket Rd, SE19 2GA (Crystal Palace rail)
Bonfire Night at Crystal Palace is a tradition dating back 151 years. As always expect a kid-friendly display to kick things off then a fiery finale with proceeds to charity. 6pm gates, kids show from 7pm, adult show 8.30pm; adult £7.50 adv, £8.50 on day/child £5.10 adv, £5.60 on day/under 3s FREE; NB: no tickets available at gate this year, must buy online! (Nov 5)

Sat: Blackheath Common Fireworks, SE3 0RW (Lewisham DLR/Blackheath rail)
South London Samba will be shaking up a storm once more for Bonfire Night, attracting up to 100,000 fire seekers, for food, drink, funfair and colourful explosions. All ages. Funfair from 12pm, food stalls and bar from 5pm, fireworks at 8pm. Entrance FREE (Nov 5)

Sat: Ravenscourt Park Fireworks, W6 0TY (Hammersmith tube)
Children’s fireworks go off first then there’s a bigger, noisier and more spectacular adult’s fireworks show. Hot food and drink and traditional funfair are also on the menu. Anticipate massive crowds! Gates 6pm, kids show 7.15pm, main show 8pm; adult £6 adv (from Lyric Hammersmith box office) or £8 gate/under 5s free (Nov 5)

Sat: Battersea Park Fireworks, Albert Bridge, SW11 (Sloane Square tube/Battersea Park rail)
Remember remember the 5th of November… head to Battersea Park for an unforgettable night in the hands of Jubilee Fireworks and Virgin Radio presenter Christian Williams. Choreographed fireworks, glow toys, food and drink and entertainment for all ages. Gates 6pm, bonfire 7.30pm, fireworks 8pm; gate fee £10, under 10s FREE but tickets needed. No admittance after 8pm. (Nov 5)

Sat: Clissold Park Fireworks, Clissold Park, Green Lanes, N16 9HJ (Arsenal/Manor House/Finsbury Park tube)
Kids and adults alike are urged to dress up for this year’s ‘animals’ theme, at what promises to be another wild night out in one of London’s best parks. There’ll be street performers, fun fair rides, yummy grub and a 20 minute fireworks show suitable for all ages. Gates 5.30pm, fireworks 7pm; £2.50-£8.50 (Nov 5)

Sat-Sun: Guy Fawkes Festival and Fireworks at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY (Waltham rail)
This event has to be on your Bonfire Night bucket list. Go back to the era of the actual Guy Fawkes and his gunpowder plot, experience live reenactments, the ‘Ghost of Guy Fawkes’ show, science demos, funfair and child friendly fireworks. Gates 2pm, last entry 6.15pm, fireworks 7pm; adult £9.75/child 3-15 £7.75/family £31.50 (2 adults, 2 kids)-£38.47 (2 adults-3 kids) (Nov 5-6)

Sat: Highgate School Fireworks Festival, Highgate Junior School, Cholmeley House, 3 Bishopswood Road, N6 4PL (Archway/Highgate tube)
Another of the north London schools throwing a massive sheBANG on Bonfire Night. Come for Guy Fawkes and bonfire, fire shows, toys, funfairs, delicious street food, kids’ activities and entertainment and some cracking displays. In support of War Child. Early show 4pm-6.30pm, late show 7pm-9.30pm; adult £15/child £10 (Nov 5)

Sun: Richmond Family Fireworks, Richmond Athletic Ground, Kew Foot Rd, TW9 2SS (Richmond tube/overground)
Another glittering evening with a ‘movie-themed’ choreographed fireworks show. Around 6000 make their way here for fireworks, funfair, mulled wine and a lively atmosphere. 4.30pm gates, 7pm fireworks; adult £8 (adv)-£10 (gate)/child £5/family £25/under 5s FREE (Nov 6)

 

 

NEXT WEEKEND

 
Sat 12: Lord Mayor’s Show and Fireworks Display, (nearest tubes Bank/St. Paul’s to arrive, Blackfriars or Mansion House to leave, check TFL for best routes)
If Bonfire Night isn’t quite your flow, why not hold out for London’s most exciting fireworks show (this side of New Year’s Eve)? You can hit one of the high spots around town (e.g. Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill) or brave the throngs trying to catch the best views along the river, Best viewing somewhere between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges, either on Victoria Embankment or on the South Bank. 5.15pm, FREE (Nov 12)

Sat 12: King Alfred School Fireworks at The King Alfred School, Manor Wood, 149 North End Road, NW11 7HY (Golders Green tube)
This is one of the best nights on the autumn calendar for the Babes about Town and Big Apple Hot Dogs clan. Every year these fireworks are held in the school grounds along with sensational light shows, glow toys, tasty street food (yup, hot dogs too) and drink, kids entertainment, bonfire and a simply stunning fireworks display. Gates 4.30pm, fireworks 7.45pm; £8-£12 (Nov 12)

 

 

London Kids Weekend Scoop (November 3-6, 2016)

 
Thu-Sat: Royal Albert Hall: Jurassic Park in Concert, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
Hear the classic score by John Williams performed by Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Ludwig Wicki. This immersive experience features Steven Spielberg’s Oscar winning film Jurassic Park (PG) set to live music, with stunning high-definition on a giant screen. Guaranteed to be a brilliant night out for hearty little dinosaur lovers, movie buffs and fans of great music. Best for ages 6+ (the film is PG but some scary scenes might be unsuitable for small children, parental discretion advised). Matinee shows restaurants and bars open 12.30pm, auditorium 1.45pm, film 2.30pm-5.05pm; Evening shows restaurants and bars open 5.30pm, auditorium 6.45pm, film 7.30pm-9.45pm; £28-£73.90 (Nov 3-5)

Sat: Lyric Hammersmith: Underneath a Magical Moon, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
Writer Mike Kenny adapts one of my favourite children’s stories, Peter Pan, telling things from the perspective of Wendy Darling. Looking out at the night sky through her window, Wendy has dreams of blue lagoons and mermaids, but tonight of all nights there’s an extra hint of magic in the air… Fly away to a Neverland of adventure where anything can happen in this gorgeous production filled with music and ‘tutti frutti’ magic. Ages 3 to 7 (younger ones welcome). 1pm & 2pm; £8/babies under 18 months FREE if sitting on adult’s lap (Nov 5)

Sat: Houses of Parliament Family Tours, Houses of Parliament, Westminster SW1A 0AA (Westminster tube)
Every Saturday in November, to mark the legend of Guy Fawkes and his ‘epic fail’ in making Parliament go BOOM… kids and families can go on guided walks around the scene of the almost crime. Hear tales of intrigue, spying and a fiery plot. These lunchtime tours take you through the House of Lords and House of Commons chambers, St Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall where Fawkes stood trial. While you’re there, why not stop for Afternoon Tea? Hurry as tickets for November are going fast! All welcome, best for ages 7-12. 1.30pm & 3pm; adult £18.50/child under 15 FREE (Nov 5-26)

Sun: Disco Loco 10th Birthday Laser Party, at Hackney Showroom, Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT (Dalston Kingsland/Dalston Junction overground/Rectory Rd rail)
A massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the original east London dance party for families as they celebrate a milestone 10th anniversary celebration! Go loco on the disco floor with a special laser themed event, also featuring top DJs Earl Gateshead (Trojan Sound System), Emilia Harmony, Toby Kidd and the Reverend Milo Speedwagon and the lovely MC Chu-i on the mic, working the room. Expect spectacular lasers, hula hoops, Bowie mask making, group art rave sculpture, good tunes, a bubbly atmosphere, licensed bar, birthday conga and Jamaican patties. All ages from babies upwards. 3-6pm, £3 adv/door, non-walkers FREE (Nov 6)

We also like
Starting to feel Christmassy as Canary Wharf Ice Rink is open for the season (from Fri until Feb 25); go south for books, author talks, readings and signings at the 25th Richmond Literature Festival (from Fri until Nov 4); the streets are closed to traffic for the annual Regent Street Motor Show (Sat); and there’s a life-size Monopoly board in central London for the Oxford Street Christmas Lights Switch On (Sun);

Booking Ahead

The Old Vic: Families Programme at the Old Vic (from Nov 10)
Southbank Centre Winter Festival (from Nov 11-Jan 25)
Big Fish Little Fish West London ‘Around the World’ Family Rave at Acklam Village Market, Portobello Rd (Nov 13)
Baddies the Musical at Unicorn Theatre (Nov 15-23)
Peter Pan at National Theatre (from Nov 17)
Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith (Nov 18-Dec 24)
Framed Family Film Festival at Barbican Centre (Nov 19-20)
Leaf for babies ages 0-3 at Half Moon Theatre (Nov 24-26)
Babe: The Sheep Pig at Polka Theatre (Nov 25-Feb 5)
Boing! at Unicorn Theatre (Nov 30-Dec 1)
Zoo Nation: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Royal Opera House (Dec 30-Jan 22)

Can you believe it? Our Christmas in London guide will be winging its way to you in less than a month. Eek!