Go Out With a Bang & Be Ready for Bonfire Night

With Halloween behind us, it's time to look forward to the next celebration. And before we get carried away with the C-word, there's Bonfire Night to enjoy. Fireworks, sparklers, chilly evenings and plenty of warming food are all part of the fun. But whether you're planning a gathering at home, heading to a local display or making a weekend of it, the costs can soon add up.

At My Favourite Voucher Codes, we've been looking at ways to enjoy Bonfire Night 2026 without spending more than necessary. Some are simple, like choosing the right food for a crowd or making use of things you already own. Others involve checking whether buying your own fireworks is actually cheaper than attending an organised event. And there are a few practical details, particularly around pets and safety, that are well worth thinking about beforehand.

When Is Bonfire Night in 2026?

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026. Also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night, it marks the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

While the official date is always 5 November, organised displays aren't necessarily held that evening. Some organisers arrange their celebrations for the nearest weekend, making Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November worth checking if you're planning an outing.

It's worth looking up your local council or event organiser before making plans. Not every display is free, some require advance tickets, and arrangements can change depending on the weather.

Supplies When You're Hosting Bonfire Night

Hosting Bonfire Night at home can be a lovely alternative to standing in a crowded field, particularly if you're inviting a few friends or neighbours round. And you don't necessarily need to buy fireworks to make an evening of it. Good food, hot drinks and somewhere comfortable to sit can be enough, especially if you can see a nearby organised display from your garden.

If you're providing refreshments, my advice is to keep things simple. November evenings are rarely the time for complicated cooking, and nobody wants to spend the whole celebration indoors preparing food while everyone else enjoys themselves outside.

What to Eat and Drink?

Bonfire Night calls for proper warming food. Jacket potatoes, chilli con carne, casseroles, sausages and homemade soup are all good choices because you can prepare much of the meal in advance and serve it without too much fuss.

Jacket potatoes are particularly useful for feeding a group. Make one large batch and let guests choose from baked beans, grated cheese, chilli or whatever toppings you've prepared. It's considerably easier than cooking separate meals for everyone.

There can also be a noticeable difference between buying basic ingredients and paying for ready-prepared food. When I checked Tesco's online grocery listings in October 2026, a four-pack of baking potatoes was listed at 85p, while a pack of two prepared cheese-topped baked potatoes cost £2.65.

For eight people, that works out at £1.70 for eight plain baking potatoes compared with £10.60 for eight ready-prepared cheese potatoes, before adding toppings or allowing for cooking costs. That's an £8.90 difference on the potatoes alone, although the products aren't directly equivalent once the cheese and preparation are taken into account.

The point isn't that everyone should spend their evening cooking from scratch. It's that a little preparation can make feeding a crowd significantly cheaper.

For current supermarket offers, you can check our Asda voucher codes or Tesco voucher codes pages before doing the food shop.

Price sources checked 8 October 2026: Tesco baking potatoes and Tesco prepared cheese baked potatoes. Prices and availability may vary.

What about drinks? Hot chocolate is an obvious favourite, particularly for children, while tea, coffee, warm apple juice and spiced cider can be prepared in advance. A flask or insulated jug will save you repeatedly disappearing into the kitchen.

If you're hosting a mixed group, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options. Anyone responsible for setting off fireworks should avoid alcohol until the display is finished.

Image source: Smartblend - Bonfire Night food ideas.

What You May Have Forgotten

Food and drink usually get most of the attention, but it's often the smaller things that make a November gathering comfortable.

Before buying anything, see what you already have around the house:

• Blankets and spare coats: Keep a few available for guests who underestimate how cold the evening will be.
• Outdoor seating: Garden chairs can be useful, provided they're positioned safely away from any bonfire or fireworks.
• Torches and lighting: Useful for garden paths, steps and collecting belongings once it gets dark.
• Reusable mugs: Much easier to manage with hot drinks than flimsy disposable cups.
• Rubbish bags: Save yourself a lengthy clean-up the following morning.
• Indoor space: Give guests somewhere warm to retreat to, particularly young children and older relatives.

And if the weather turns unpleasant, moving the gathering indoors is usually more enjoyable than trying to persevere in cold rain.

Is a Home Fireworks Display Actually Cheaper?

Buying your own fireworks might seem like the economical option, especially when several people are coming round. But the cost isn't simply the price printed on a fireworks selection box.

You need suitable outdoor space, fireworks appropriate for that space, safe equipment and somewhere spectators can stand at the required distance. Larger gardens don't automatically make a home display suitable, either; the instructions on each firework must be followed.

For comparison, let's look at an actual organised event.

Harrow Fireworks 2026 is advertising free admission between noon and 3pm on Saturday 7 November, with its main evening fireworks event ticketed separately. So visitors can enjoy some daytime activities without paying the evening admission charge, but the free entry period is not a free ticket to the main display.

For somebody mainly interested in watching fireworks, I would check the total cost of local event admission before buying a selection box. A professional display can offer much more than most private gardens could safely accommodate, and sharing one doesn't leave you responsible for setting off explosives or clearing up the debris.

That's not to say every organised event is cheaper. Add several family tickets, parking, food stalls and fairground rides, and the bill can rise quickly. The saving often comes from deciding what you actually want from the evening and avoiding unnecessary extras.

If a nearby display is free or inexpensive, that's where I'd start looking. And if you're hosting friends at home, there's nothing wrong with making the food and company the main event without purchasing fireworks.

What to Wear on Bonfire Night

When it comes to autumn and winter clothing, there's one word that matters more than anything else: layers.

Standing outside on a cold November evening can feel rather different from popping out to the shops. Even if there's a bonfire nearby, don't rely on it to keep you warm all night.

Here's what I would wear to an organised display:

• A comfortable long-sleeved top or thermal base layer.
• A jumper or hoodie, with enough room to move comfortably.
• A warm, properly fitting winter coat.
• Thick socks, particularly if you'll be standing for a while.
• Sturdy boots or waterproof shoes for muddy fields.
• A hat and gloves.
• A scarf, worn securely and kept well away from open flames.

For most people, there's no need to buy a new winter outfit specifically for Bonfire Night. The warmest combination might already be sitting in your wardrobe.

Shopping Recommendations

If you do need something for the colder weather, I'd focus on items you'll continue using throughout winter rather than buying accessories for one evening.

A practical hoodie, fleece or warm coat is likely to get more use than a fashionable scarf chosen solely for a November fireworks display. Retailers such as Phase Eight and Lyle & Scott may have relevant winter clothing, but check their current ranges and prices rather than assuming a particular discount is available.

Comfort matters more than fashion if you're standing outdoors for several hours. Avoid loose or dangling clothing if you're anywhere near a bonfire or sparklers.

Short Bonfire Night Breaks

If your usual local display feels a bit predictable, why not make a short break of Bonfire Night? There are celebrations across the country, and combining one with a night away can be a pleasant way to spend a November weekend.

I'd choose the event before booking accommodation. Some famous celebrations have travel restrictions or aren't suitable for visitors arriving from outside the area, while other events require tickets that may sell out.

Accommodation near popular displays can also be more expensive than staying a little further away. Check public transport, parking and the journey back after the event before deciding which option offers better value.

Where Are the Best Firework Displays in 2026?

There are plenty of displays around the UK, but it's important to check which events are actually taking place this year rather than relying on lists from previous Bonfire Nights.

Harrow Fireworks - London

Harrow Fireworks is scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026 at Byron Park, Harrow.

The organisers are advertising a musical fireworks display at approximately 7.45pm, alongside children's entertainment, a funfair, food stalls and other activities. There is free admission between noon and 3pm, with tickets required for the main evening event.

It's a useful option for families looking for more than just fireworks, although fairground rides, food and evening tickets can add to the overall cost.

For up-to-date admission details, visit the official Harrow Fireworks 2026 website.

Illustrative Bonfire Night photograph, not the Harrow 2026 event. Image: Berit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

Lewes Bonfire - East Sussex

Lewes is famous for its elaborate Bonfire Night traditions, with torchlit processions, bonfire societies and fireworks filling the historic town.

However, this is one famous event I wouldn't recommend travelling to as a casual visitor in 2026.

Lewes Bonfire is intended for local residents, and the authorities are specifically asking people from outside the town not to attend. The combination of large crowds, narrow streets, firecrackers and flaming torches creates considerable safety and transport challenges.

Trains will not serve Lewes during the celebrations, and roads will be closed. The event is also unsuitable for young children and dogs.

The good news is that the celebrations are expected to be livestreamed, giving anyone interested in the tradition a chance to watch without adding to the crowds.

See the official Lewes Bonfire visitor information for details.

What About Displays Closer to Home?

For many families, the best option will be a local organised display rather than a journey across the country.

Community groups, sports clubs, schools and local attractions sometimes organise affordable celebrations. The advantage is that travel costs can be lower, and you may be supporting a local organisation at the same time.

Before heading out, check the organiser's website for the confirmed 2026 date, admission charges, start time, parking arrangements and whether outside food and drink are permitted.

Firework and Sparkler Safety on Bonfire Night

Fireworks can be enjoyable, but they are explosives and need to be treated accordingly. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends professionally organised displays as the safer option.

If you're planning to use fireworks at home, don't buy them until you've checked that your garden provides the safety distances specified on the packaging. Category F2 and F3 fireworks have different distance requirements, and not every product is suitable for an ordinary garden.

There are also legal restrictions. In England and Wales, fireworks generally must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the cut-off is extended to midnight on Bonfire Night. Setting off fireworks or sparklers in streets or other public places is against the law. Rules can differ elsewhere in the UK, so check local requirements.

A few essentials are worth remembering:

• Buy fireworks from reputable retailers and check they carry the appropriate UKCA or CE marking.
• Read the instructions before lighting anything and maintain the required safety distance.
• Only adults should handle and light fireworks.
• Never return to a firework that has been lit, even if it appears not to have worked.
• Keep water available and follow the Firework Code.
• Never give sparklers to children under five.
• Wear gloves when handling sparklers and place used sparklers into a bucket of cold water.
• Keep bonfires away from buildings, fences, trees and other flammable materials.

It's also considerate to let neighbours know in advance if you're planning a display, particularly if they have pets, young children or someone in the household who finds sudden loud noises distressing.

For the complete advice, see RoSPA's firework safety guidance and GOV.UK's fireworks law information.

Protect Your Animals on Firework Night

While many people look forward to Bonfire Night, fireworks can be frightening for pets. Loud bangs, unexpected flashes and changes to normal routines can cause considerable distress, particularly for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Before spending money on calming jackets, sprays or supplements, I'd start with the practical advice from the RSPCA. Many of its recommendations cost little or nothing and can make a real difference.

Helping Dogs and Cats Feel Safe

For dogs, try to arrange walks during daylight hours, before fireworks are likely to begin. Create a quiet space at home with familiar bedding and toys, and close the curtains to reduce flashes from outside.

Some dogs feel safer settling in a familiar room with the television or radio on. Others prefer to hide. Let them choose where they feel comfortable rather than forcing them to sit with you.

For cats, make sure they are safely indoors before dark. Close cat flaps, provide access to favourite hiding places and check that windows and doors are secure.

If your pet is particularly anxious, speak to your vet before Bonfire Night. Calming products may help some animals, but they shouldn't be assumed to work for every pet or replace professional advice where the fear is severe.

Keeping Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Smaller Pets Safe

Small animals can be especially vulnerable to sudden loud noises.

Where practical, bring outdoor hutches into a suitable quiet indoor space before the celebrations begin. If that isn't possible, provide plenty of bedding and hiding places, and protect the enclosure from flashes and noise while maintaining proper ventilation.

Companion animals that normally live together should remain together, and it's important to watch for changes in eating or behaviour after the fireworks have finished.

Do You Need to Buy Anything?

Not necessarily. Familiar blankets, a quiet room, closed curtains and somewhere secure to hide may be more useful than an expensive collection of calming accessories.

If you need a pet bed, an appropriate diffuser or other supplies, speak to your vet about suitable products and compare prices before buying. For severe anxiety, veterinary support should come before experimenting with unproven remedies.

For further advice, visit the RSPCA fireworks and pets information.

Enjoy Bonfire Night Without Overspending

Bonfire Night doesn't need to mean an expensive evening. A pot of chilli, a few jacket potatoes, hot chocolate and time spent with friends can be every bit as enjoyable as a larger celebration.

If you're heading to a display, look for local events before travelling further afield. If you're staying at home, plan the food, keep everyone warm and consider whether buying fireworks is really necessary. And if you have pets, preparing a safe space for them is far more important than buying another gadget.

Whether you're watching fireworks in a local park, celebrating with neighbours or enjoying a quiet evening indoors, we hope you have a cracking Bonfire Night!

Originally written by Alice Marshall for My Favourite Voucher Codes, 2 November 2018. Updated with 2026 event information, current prices and consumer safety guidance on 8 October 2026.