Bonfire Night 2026: Alexandra Palace Family Festival Guide

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is observed each year on November 5. In 2026, that date falls on a Thursday. Families looking for a large public celebration in London can also plan for the Alexandra Palace Fireworks & Drone Festival, which runs Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8. The venue describes Sunday as the earlier, family-focused day, with more space for families. It is a festival held after Bonfire Night itself, rather than the November 5 date.

Alexandra Palace Bonfire Night 2026: Sunday schedule

The Sunday event takes place at Alexandra Palace Park in London. On November 8, London observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC+00:00), so the local event times and UTC times are the same:

The Alexandra Palace event listing confirms the November 7–8 dates and Sunday’s family-focused format. The official Sunday schedule gives the gate, display, and last-entry times. Check both pages again before leaving in case event details or ticket availability change.

What is Bonfire Night?

The tradition recalls the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, a failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and other conspirators to blow up Parliament. The plot was discovered on November 5. The UK Parliament’s historical account describes how its failure came to be commemorated on Bonfire Night. Today, many communities mark the evening with public fireworks, bonfires, and family events. The history is more complex than a simple celebration of one person, so for a short historical overview, read the UK Parliament’s account of the plot’s aftermath.

For visitors, the practical point is that official events do not all take place on November 5. Alexandra Palace’s 2026 festival is scheduled for the following weekend, with its family day on Sunday, November 8. Use the ticket date and the venue’s current schedule when making plans instead of assuming that every Bonfire Night display happens on the traditional date.

What families can expect on Sunday

Alexandra Palace describes Sunday as a smaller-capacity, family-oriented festival with an earlier display. Its listing names a Junior Jungle kids’ rave and a karaoke singalong with Shaun Williamson. Festival features across the weekend include a large bonfire, marshmallow-toasting fire pits, ice skating, funfair rides, food, and the fireworks-and-drone show. The exact attractions available on a particular day can differ, so check the Sunday page rather than assuming the full Saturday program carries over.

This is a substantial outdoor event, not just a short fireworks viewing. Decide in advance which activities matter most to your family, and leave time for entry, moving around the grounds, and finding a viewing spot. If you are taking young children, agree on a simple meeting point and keep them close in the crowd.

Are under-10 tickets still free?

No. The event’s limited-time early-booking offer for under-10s has ended. The current Sunday FAQ lists under-10 tickets at £6.50 including fees, subject to availability. The offer’s end means free admission should not be assumed, and the current price does not guarantee a ticket will remain available. Review the live Sunday ticket information before purchasing. The event’s general listing advertises admission from £11.50, but ticket prices and categories may vary; do not use that starting price to estimate the total for a family booking.

When should you arrive?

Gates open at 4:00 p.m. GMT (16:00 UTC). The organizer says the park entrances are busiest during the hour before the display and recommends arriving early. Since the show is scheduled to start promptly at 6:00 p.m. GMT (18:00 UTC), plan to enter well before 5:00 p.m. if you want time to get through the gates and choose a viewing area. Although the listed last entry is 6:05 p.m., that is after the scheduled start; arriving that late risks missing the opening of the display.

The grounds include hills and steep terrain, and the organizer warns that wet weather can make some areas more difficult and slippery. Wear warm layers and shoes with good grip, check the forecast, and allow extra time if anyone in your group needs a slower route. Review the venue’s current accessibility and travel information before setting out.

Fireworks safety for children

At a public display, follow event staff directions and use the viewing areas provided. If you are also celebrating at home, UK government guidance says children should always be supervised around fireworks and that sparklers should never be given to children under five. Read the official fire safety guidance for celebrations and follow the instructions on any product you use.

Quick answers for Bonfire Night 2026

• Is Bonfire Night on November 5? Yes. The Alexandra Palace family festival is a separate event on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
• What time does the Sunday display start? 6:00 p.m. in London GMT (UTC+00:00), which is 18:00 UTC.
• Are under-10 tickets free? The early-booking offer has ended; the listed current price is £6.50 including fees, subject to availability.
• When do gates open? 4:00 p.m. London GMT (UTC+00:00), or 16:00 UTC.

For a family visit, the key steps are straightforward: book the correct Sunday ticket, verify current availability, and arrive early enough to enter before the display begins. The official schedule and venue listing are the best places to check for any last-minute changes.