It's never too early to start planning how you'll spend bonfire night — after all, tickets are already on sale for many of the country's biggest fireworks displays. If your own pyrotechnic skills are sadly lacking, leave the whizz, pop, and bangs in the hands of the experts and head to a professional show. From stately homes to huge processions — and even a Viking "funeral" — scroll through our picks of the bonfire bunch and head to your favourite this year. Prepare to get cosy in your statement jumper [1], pull on your on-trend jacket [2], and brave the cold November night at one of these fab firework displays.
Cardiff: Sparks in the Park
Sparks in the Park [3], Wales' largest firework display is put on by Cardiff Round Table. It takes place in Blackweir Fields, Bute Park on Nov. 3, opening at 4.30 p.m, with the junior display scheduled for 5.45 p.m. and the main display at 7 p.m.
London: Alexandra Palace Firework Festival
Ally Pally's Firework Festival [4] is one of the biggest in the country, and is taking place on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at Alexandra Palace. In addition to the laser show (8.30 p.m. on Friday and 7.30 p.m. on Saturday) and the fireworks display (9 p.m. on Friday and 8 p.m. on Saturday) there's a bonfire, circus, German bier festival, ice skating, music, and family area.
East Sussex: Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations
Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations [5] bills itself as the biggest celebrated Fifth November event in the world, and takes place on Nov. 5. It consists of six separate Lewes Bonfire Societies, each with their own fireworks, fire sites, processions, and costumes.
Staffordshire: Tutbury Castle Vikings and Firework Spectacular
Tutbury Castle Vikings and Firework Spectacular [6] takes place on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, with gates opening at 5 p.m. Watch Vikings in a moonlit battle and a Viking "funeral," plus the fireworks display at 8 p.m.
Plymouth Hoe Bonfire Night
The Plymouth Hoe Bonfire Night [7] takes place on Nov. 5 itself, above the cliffs and against the backdrop of the sea and lighthouse.
West Midlands: Himley Hall Bonfire and Fireworks
Himley Hall's Bonfire and Fireworks [8] in Dudley takes place on Nov. 3, with gates opening at 4.30 p.m, the bonfire lit at 7.45 p.m., and the 25-minute fireworks display at 8.30 p.m. The country's largest local authority fireworks display has a heroes theme in 2018 to commemorate the end of World War I. There's also a funfair, radio roadshow, and market.
Brighton Lions Fireworks Display
The Brighton Lions Fireworks Display [9] is taking place at Brighton Racecourse on Nov. 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the 30-minute display scheduled to start at 7.30 p.m. Fairground rides and a bar will keep kids and adults busy during the wait.
Scotland: Inverness Bonfire and Fireworks Display
The Inverness Bonfire and Fireworks Display [10] takes place on Nov. 5 at 7.30 p.m. in Burgh Park. This show features a 20-minute musical fireworks display and a giant bonfire — and there'll be hot food stalls and a fun fair too.
Derbyshire: Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks
The Chatsworth Bonfire and Fireworks [11] takes place on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, with gates opening at 6 p.m. The bonfire is lit at 7 p.m., and there are two firework displays, the earlier of which at 7.30 p.m. is set to music from children's films. The grand finale is on at 8.15 p.m. There's also circus performers, live music, dancing, and face painting, with the event finishing at 9.45 p.m.
Wales: Ride the Rocket Firework Train at Llangollen Railway
There's a display with a difference at the Ride the Rocket Firework Train [12]. Board the steam train at Llangollen Railway on Nov. 3 and ride to Carrog, stopping off at Glyndyfrdwy Station for fireworks on the return journey. It takes place from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
London: Lord Mayor's Show & Fireworks
The Lord Mayor's Show [13] finishes with the only free public fireworks display in Central London. Although there were reports the fireworks show might be axed this year, it is thought it will go ahead. Head down to the River Thames to see the display on Nov. 10, which took place at 5.15 p.m last year — get there early for the best viewing spots on Victoria Embankment and the South Bank.