Bonfire Night Celebrations – Various Cities, UK 2025

Background & History

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated annually on or around November 5 in the UK, marking the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Celebrated since 1606 as a day of thanksgiving, it features bonfires, fireworks, and effigy burnings, symbolizing the plot’s failure. Modern celebrations in cities like London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Lewes focus on community festivities, fireworks displays, and food stalls, with historical anti-Catholic connotations largely faded. Events draw thousands, with Lewes hosting up to 80,000 visitors. web:0 web:3 web:6 web:19.

Event Highlights

• Fireworks Displays: Spectacular pyrotechnics in major cities (e.g., Alexandra Palace, London; Sophia Gardens, Cardiff), often with music, drones, or lasers.
• Bonfires: Large bonfires burn effigies (“guys”) of Guy Fawkes in Lewes, Battersea Park (London), and Inverleith Park (Edinburgh).
• Food & Drink: Traditional treats like toffee apples, baked potatoes, hot dogs ($5–$15 USD), and mulled wine (~$5–$8 USD) at stalls.
• Live Entertainment: Music, funfairs, and family zones in Cardiff, Manchester (Bowdon), and London (Ally Pally with DJs, tribute acts).
• Unique Traditions: Lewes features torch-lit processions by bonfire societies; Ottery St Mary (Devon) hosts a flaming tar barrel run. web:1 web:7 web:10 web:18 web:19.

Date & Duration

• Date: November 5, 2025 (Wednesday); most events on the nearest weekend (1–2 or 8–9 November 2025).
• Duration: 1–2 evenings per city (typically 5:00 PM–10:00 PM).
• Opening Times (Speculative, 2024-based):
  • London (Alexandra Palace): 1–2 Nov, 6:00 PM–10:30 PM (fireworks 8:00–9:00 PM).
  • Cardiff (Sophia Gardens): 2 Nov, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.
  • Edinburgh (Inverleith Park): 2 Nov, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
  • Manchester (Bowdon): 1 Nov, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
  • Lewes: 5 Nov, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.
• Note: Schedules TBD; check local websites (e.g., www.alexandrapalace.com, www.visitcardiff.com) by September 2025. web:1 web:6 web:10 web:15.

Main Event Address

• London: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Fireworks Festival); Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Tickets required; accessible via public transport.
• Cardiff: Sophia Gardens, CF11 9XR. Central, family-friendly, with a funfair.
• Edinburgh: Inverleith Park, EH3 5NZ. Free entry, picnic-friendly.
• Manchester: Bowdon Fireworks, Altrincham, WA14 3BD. Family-focused with low-noise display.
• Lewes: Multiple sites (e.g., Railway Land), BN7 2UP. Processions and bonfires; limited parking.
• Administrative Contact: Black Isle Brewing Company (for reference, not Bonfire Night-specific), Old Allangrange, Munlochy, IV8 8NZ; shop@blackislebrewery.com (not applicable for event inquiries).
• Note: Accessibility varies (e.g., Alexandra Palace: good; Lewes: limited due to crowds). Contact venue websites for details. Parking is limited; public transport is recommended. web:1 web:10 web:15 web:19.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • London (Alexandra Palace): info@alexandrapalace.com.
  • Cardiff (Sophia Gardens): info@visitcardiff.com.
  • Edinburgh (Inverleith Park): events@edinburgh.gov.uk.
  • Manchester (Bowdon): info@bowdonfireworks.co.uk (speculative, TBD).
  • Lewes: info@lewesbonfirecelebrations.com (speculative, TBD).
• Phone:
  • London: +44 20 8365 2121 (Alexandra Palace).
  • Cardiff: +44 29 2087 2087 (Visit Cardiff).
  • Edinburgh: +44 131 200 2000 (City Council).
• Website:
  • www.alexandrapalace.com (London).
  • www.visitcardiff.com (Cardiff).
  • www.edinburgh.gov.uk (Edinburgh).
  • www.bowdonfireworks.co.uk (Manchester, TBD).
  • www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com (Lewes, TBD).
• Social Media: @AlexandraPalace (London), @VisitCardiff (Cardiff), @Edinburgh (Twitter/X), @LewesBonfire (Twitter/X).
• Ticketing: Via venue websites or Ticketmaster/Universe (TBD September 2025). web:1 web:10 web:15.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase online via venue websites (e.g., www.alexandrapalace.com, www.batterseaparkfireworks.com) or Ticketmaster/Universe (TBD September 2025). Booking fees ~£2–£5 ≈ $2.70–$6.75 USD (speculative). Ages 5 and under often free; under-16s need adult supervision (varies by event). E-tickets preferred; check venue for refunds. Cash recommended for stalls. Parking passes (~$5–$10 USD, speculative) may apply. web:1 web:10 web:15.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.35 USD, Speculative, 2024-based):
  • London (Alexandra Palace): Adult £15–£25 ≈ $20.25–$33.75 USD; Child (5–15) £5–£10 ≈ $6.75–$13.50 USD; Under 5 free.
  • Cardiff (Sophia Gardens): Adult £10–£20 ≈ $13.50–$27 USD; Child £5–£10 ≈ $6.75–$13.50 USD; Under 5 free.
  • Edinburgh (Inverleith Park): Free entry (donations ~$2.50–$10 USD).
  • Manchester (Bowdon): Adult £8–£15 ≈ $10.80–$20.25 USD; Child £4–£8 ≈ $5.40–$10.80 USD; Under 5 free.
  • Lewes: Free (public areas); some society events £5–£10 ≈ $6.75–$13.50 USD.
  • Programme: ~£3–£5 ≈ $4–$6.75 USD (speculative, on-site, cash).
  • Donations: Optional, $2.50–$12.50 USD for local charities.
• Ticket Range:
  • GBP: Free (e.g., Edinburgh) to £25 (e.g., Alexandra Palace adult).
  • USD: ~$0 to ~$33.75 USD.
• Additional Notes: Prices speculative, based on 2024 events (web:1 web:10 web:15). Exchange rate (1 GBP ≈ 1.35 USD) per prior data (Exchange Rates UK). Check venue websites by September 2025 for confirmed prices. web:2.

Cultural Experience

Bonfire Night celebrates British history with vibrant fireworks, bonfires, and community gatherings, marking the 1605 Gunpowder Plot’s failure. Cities like Lewes preserve unique traditions (e.g., torch processions), while London and Cardiff offer family-friendly spectacles. Expect 10,000–80,000 attendees per event, with nursery rhymes like “Remember, remember the fifth of November” chanted. web:3 web:6 web:19.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Stalls offer toffee apples, baked potatoes, hot dogs, burgers ($5–$15 USD), mulled wine, and hot chocolate (~$5–$8 USD). Cash preferred; some card payments.
• Nearby Dining:
  • London: Green Rooms Hostel (near Alexandra Palace, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute drive).
  • Cardiff: Hotel Indigo (near Sophia Gardens, $15–$30 USD, 3-minute walk).
  • Edinburgh: Local cafes near Inverleith Park ($8–$15 USD).
  • Manchester: Bowdon pubs ($10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Lewes: High Street eateries ($8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Mulled wine, beer at stalls (~$5–$8 USD). Age 19+ for alcohol. web:1 web:10 web:21.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Ages 5 and under free (most events); ages 6–15 need tickets (varies). Supervision required for under-16s. Family zones in Cardiff, Manchester.
• Accessibility:
  • Alexandra Palace, Sophia Gardens: good accessibility (ramps, toilets). Lewes: limited due to crowds, uneven terrain. Contact venues for details. Assistance animals welcome. web:1 web:11 web:15.

Getting There

• By Air: London (LHR, 15–25 miles), Cardiff (CWL, 10 miles), Edinburgh (EDI, 8 miles), Manchester (MAN, 10 miles).
• Public Transport:
  • London: Tube (Piccadilly Line to Wood Green, $3–$5 USD) for Alexandra Palace; Battersea Park (Southern Rail, $3–$5 USD).
  • Cardiff: Bus 4/4A ($2–$4 USD) or a 6-minute walk from Cardiff Central.
  • Edinburgh: Lothian Bus 24/38 ($2–$4 USD) to Inverleith Park.
  • Manchester: Metrolink to Altrincham ($3–$5 USD), 5-minute walk.
  • Lewes: Train from London Victoria ($10–$20 USD), 5-minute walk.
• By Car: Limited parking; passes ~$5–$10 USD (speculative). Public transport advised.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Uber ($10–$25 USD, city-dependent). web:1 web:10 web:15.

Program Details

• September 2025: Full schedules announced (check venue websites).
• 1–2 or 8–9 November 2025: Fireworks (8:00–9:00 PM), bonfires, music, funfairs (times speculative, based on 2024).
• Note: Details TBD at www.alexandrapalace.com, www.visitcardiff.com, etc., web:1 web:10.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 (London, Alexandra Palace): Drone show, Artful Dodger, ABBA tribute; 20,000 attendees.
• 2024 (Cardiff): Wyburn and Wayne hosted with Cardiff Theatre Café music.
• 2023 (Lewes): 30 bonfire societies, 80,000 visitors. web:1 web:15 web:16.

Educational Impact

• Historical Displays: Stalls and programmes (~$4–$6.75 USD) detail the Gunpowder Plot history.
• Community Engagement: Charity stalls (donations ~$2.50–$12.50 USD) in Manchester, Cardiff.
• Tours (London): Tower of London Gunpowder Plot experience (~$20 USD, speculative). web:18.

Cultural Activities

• Fireworks & Bonfires: Main attractions across all cities, with effigy burnings in Lewes.
• Processions: Lewes’ torch-lit parades by bonfire societies.
• Funfairs: Cardiff, Manchester, with rides, face painting. web:1 web:15 web:19.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets for London, Cardiff events sell out; book via venue websites by September 2025.
• Weather Prep: November (40–50°F, rainy); bring waterproof gear, warm clothing.
• Explore Locally: London (Tower of London, $30 USD), Cardiff (Cardiff Castle, $15 USD), Edinburgh (Calton Hill, free).
• Public Transport: Use Oyster card (London, $5 USD), Stagecoach (Cardiff, $4 USD).
• Safety: Stay clear of fireworks; supervise children. web:1 web:10 web:18.

Local Attractions

• London: Tower of London ($30 USD, 20-minute drive from Battersea).
• Cardiff: Cardiff Castle ($15 USD, 3-minute walk).
• Edinburgh: Calton Hill (free, 10-minute walk).
• Manchester: Altrincham Market (free, 5-minute walk).
• Lewes: Lewes Castle ($10 USD, 5-minute walk). web:1 web:18.

Accommodation Options

• London: Green Rooms Hostel ($50–$100 USD/night, near Alexandra Palace).
• Cardiff: Hotel Indigo ($80–$150 USD/night, near Sophia Gardens).
• Edinburgh: Ibis Edinburgh Centre ($60–$120 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• Manchester: Local B&Bs ($50–$100 USD/night, 5-minute drive).
• Lewes: Pelham House ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months ahead via www.visitbritain.com. web:1 web:10.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major events; hospitals nearby (e.g., Royal London Hospital, 5 miles from Battersea).
• Security: Stewards at events; no personal fireworks. Contact venues for concerns.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. Details TBD at venue websites. web:2 web:10.