Arts & entertainment

London’s burning: the best firework displays south of the river

By Holly O’Mahony

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Wrap up warm and prepare to see south London ablaze this Bonfire Night, as fireworks fizz, crackle and explode across the night sky. These public fireworks displays taking place south of the river promise to make this Guy Fawkes Night a memorable one.

BAtterseA pArk FireWorks

It’s a biggie, attracting crowds of around 50,000 across the two nights, but it's popular for a reason. Run by Wandsworth Council, the annual fireworks display at Battersea Park always goes off with a bang. Arrive early to warm up by the bonfire before the show itself, or head to the bar and cluster of street food stalls for warming drinks, hot dogs and the like. Saturday is a more grown-up affair, with the park's indoor venue Evolution London being transformed into a German Bierkeller complete with a live band, bumper cars and plenty of space to sip from giant steins. The show itself kicks off at 8pm, with an afterparty carrying child-free night owls through until midnight. Got the kiddos in tow? Sunday is a family-friendly event, with the spectacle kicking off a little earlier at 7pm. On top of the glittering explosions themselves, visitors of all ages will be dazzled by a seven-metre light installation.

When: November 5 at 8pm (doors open, 6pm) | November 6 at 7pm (doors open, 5pm) Where: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ Admission: £7.30 - £11.50 Book tickets: www.batterseaparkfireworks.com/

HALLoWeen FireWorks At tHe Herne HiLL veLoDrome

Herne Hill is going it early this year, holding a Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night mash-up at the Velodrome on October 29. Come dressed in your best spooky outfit. There will be a bonfire to warm even the creepiest ghouls, and plenty of food and drink.

When: October 29, 5pm - 9pm Where: Herne Hill Velodrome, 104 Burbage Road, London SE24 9HE Admission: £10 Book tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fireworksat-the-herne-hill-velodrome-tickets

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The London Borough of Merton is holding fireworks displays in two separate locations. On Friday November 4, there will be two displays in Wimbledon Park – both set to music. First, there’s a family display suitable for the littlest ones – less bang, more colour – set to start at 5:15pm. This is followed by a larger themed display at 7:15pm. As well as music and fireworks, make the most of fairground rides and an array of stalls serving warm food and drink. The site stays open until 10pm.

When: November 4, 5:15pm family show / 7:15pm general fireworks show Where: Wimbledon Park, Home Park Road, London SW19 8AU Admission: £10.70/£8 under 16s/£0 under 5s Book tickets: www.merton.gov.uk/communitiesand-neighbourhoods/events/fireworks-displays

musicAL FireWorks DispLAy in morDen pArk

London Borough of Merton’s second set of fireworks displays are being held in Morden Park. Again, they’re being set to music, with a family display at 5:15pm followed by a larger one at 7:15pm. There will be a fairground here too and plenty of warming street food to tuck into. The site stays open until 10pm.

When: November 5, 5:15pm family show / 7:15pm general fireworks show Where: Morden Park, Lower Morden Lane, Morden SM4 Admission: £10.70/£8 under 16s/£0 under 5s Book tickets: www.merton.gov.uk/communitiesand-neighbourhoods/events/fireworks-displays

DuLWicH FireWorks DispLAy

Powered by the aptly named ‘Brilliant Fireworks’ company, the annual fireworks display at Dulwich Sports Club is great for families and this year, its new layout is hoping to make it safer than ever. Last year, the event went green, staging a projected bonfire rather than lighting a real one. At the time of writing, details of this year’s fire are yet to emerge. Regardless, you can look forward to the bangs and colourful flashes of fireworks plus stalls serving mulled wine, beer, pizza and more to help you warm up and refuel. The best bit? Kids can see the fireworks for just £1 when accompanied by an adult.

When: November 5, 5pm - 7:30pm Where: Dulwich Sports Club, Giant Arches Road, London SE24 9HP Admission: £1 - £10 Book tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dulwichfirework-display-2022-kids-for-a-quid-tickets

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