Remember, remember, the 5th of November! Bonfire Night is nigh on the calendar, and you can find all the pyrotechnical delights Oxfordshire has to offer over the next month right here, from explosive showstoppers to gentler, low-noise displays. We also have some advice for new dog owners about how to help your pet on this potentially alarming date, so you can make sure your faithful hound is as relaxed as possible. Wrap up warm and take in the lightshow, wherever it may be!
Do you know details about a bonfire or firework display which is not listed here? Email [email protected] - we'll advertise it for free!
Fun Fireworks Facts
The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486. Fireworks are a symbol of enthusiasm and exhilaration (probably quite easy to work out why). Fireworks are sometimes used to scare off evil spirits. Consumer fireworks are banned in some states in America, even around 4th July. Blue fireworks are considered the most difficult colour to make.
The traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night is Parkin cake, made from oatmeal, ginger, treacle and syrup.
"Guy" originally meant "ugly, repulsive person" but since Guy Fawkes, it has become a common word for "man". One place in the UK that doesn't celebrate Guy Fawkes Night is St. Peter’s School in York. Guy Fawkes went there as a boy and they refuse to burn his image in respect for their former pupil.
South Stoke Fireworks and Bonfire Night
South Stoke Recreation Ground, Cross Keys Rd, South Stoke, Reading RG8 0JT
Come and enjoy the Fireworks Display, choreographed to music by Double British Fireworks Champions Illusion Fireworks Ltd. There will also be a fancy-dress competition (winner gets to light the bonfire!), seasonal refreshments and a licensed bar. All proceeds go to support South Stoke Primary School. This is a no sparkler event.
Gates: 6pm-8pm (fireworks at 7)
Tickets: £25 - family ticket (x2 adult x2 children), £4.50 - Child, £9.50 - Adult
Thomley Reduced Sound Fireworks
Thomley, Worminghall, HP18 9JZ
Thomley is an accessible, welcoming space for people with all abilities and disabilities. This is a reduced noise event with fireworks selected to produce less noise than a regular display for those with sensory processing issues. Ear defenders and inside viewing options provided, as well as a lantern display and the chance to grab tipples and soft drinks, warm snacks and toffee apples. There will also be a raffle on the day to push the button to start the fireworks. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Gates: 5-8pm
Tickets:: £9 (10% discount for members, email [email protected] for code), family (2+2) £26
Weston-on-the-Green Fireworks
Weston On The Green Playing Field, Oxfordshire, OX25 3RG
Village fireworks featuring a bonfire and fireworks display, as well as hot food from burger and fish and chip vans.
Gates: 6:30PM-7:30PM
Ducklington Fireworks Spectacular!
Ducklington Showground, Witney, OX29 7YE (free parking)
Light up your night at Ducklington Fireworks Spectacular! Award-winning fireworks, bonfire, big funfair, licensed bar, hot food and more! The bonfire will be at 6:30 with the main display starting at 7:30.
Gates: 4pm - 9pm
Tickets: Children under 5 go FREE! Children £4 (£5 On the gate), Adults 16+ £8.50 (£10 On the gate). Tickets are available online and at the gates.
Witney Lakes Resort Fireworks Display
Witney Lakes Resort, Downs Road, Witney, OX29 0SY
Fireworks extravaganza with refreshments from local food vendors - make sure to wrap up warm!
Gates: 6PM-10PM
Entry: Children £6 (free for under 3s), Adults £13.50, Family (2+2) £32(advance booking required)
Cholsey Bonfire Night
Cricket Field, Cholsey Meadows, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GW
Free community event starting at 6PM with the lighting of the bonfire, followed by a firework display at 7.30pm. Bar, BBQ, hot chocolate and candyfloss provided.
Gates: 6PM-8PM, display at 730PM
Tickets: Free, donations encouraged.
Shipston on Stour Sports Club Fireworks Display
Shipston-On-Stour Sports Club, 21 London Road, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4EP
Enjoy the fun of the fireworks with mulled wine and music, as well as a licensed bar, a tombola, and funfair games for the whole family. The car park will be closed so please plan your trip accordingly.
Gates: 5PM (bonfire lit at 6:30pm and fireworks at 7pm.)
Tickets:Adults £5.04, Children £3.41 (under 5s free).
Grove Fireworks and Bonfire
Recreation Ground, Cane Lane, Grove, Wantage OX12 0FL
Grove RFC’s annual Fireworks and Bonfire extravaganza, featuring fireworks, a humongous bonfire, bbq, beer and on site funfair.
Gates: 6:30PM - 11:30PM
Tickets: £5 for individuals (age 3 plus) £15 for families (up to 5 people).
Oxford Round Table 56th Annual Charity Fireworks
South Park, Oxford, OX3 0HS
Sponsored by Get Support and raising money to support Oxford Round Table’s work with Oxford based groups, schools and charities, this event features their traditional spectacular fireworks display. Rides and attractions provided by Hebborn's Funfair, with local acts providing entertainment on the GetRadio soundstage. A fully licenced bar will also be available on the night. Visitors can enjoy a dedicated enclosure and viewing area in the Super Family Tent (accessible with a Super Family Ticket). Please dress warm and waterproof and bring a torch where possible.
Gates: 4:30PM-9:30PM (fireworks at 7:15PM)
Tickets: Child – £5, Adult – £10, Students & Over 65s – £8, Super Family Tent – £18.
Wallingford Bonfire and Fireworks Display
Kinecroft, Wallingford
OX10 0DT
Organised by Wallingford 1155, Wallingford Fireworks’ annual display puts on a spectacular show while giving back to the community, local charities and organisations. The event is free to attend but you are encouraged to donate. Every tasty snack and glass of mulled wine you buy, as well as glowsticks, sparklers and ale and lagers from Loose Cannon brewery, gives back to the community. Fireworks kick off at 6PM with a quiet display.
Gates: 6PM - 9PM
Tickets: FREE (donations welcome).
Newbury Fireworks Spectacular
Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, RG14 7NZ
A jaw-dropping firework display with food and drink galore to enjoy.
Gates: 5PM, display 7:30PM.
Tickets: £14 adult, £7 child (5-16 years old), £30 Family (2 adults + 2 children).
Chalbury Cricket Club Fireworks Night
Charlbury Cricket Club, Dyers Hill, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, OX7 3QG (parking available at Charlbury Station only)
Charlbury Cricket Club is hosting two displays, a low noise display at 6PM and the main display at 7PM There will also be a variety of food and and drink available for purchase.
Gates: 5:15PM
Tickets: Under 16s £1, Adults £10, Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3x U16s) £20
Bicester Round Table Fireworks 2024
Pingle Field Sports Pavillion, Bicester, OX26 6AU (parking available at Bicester Village)
Fireworks for a good cause organised by Bicester Round Table. Gates open at 6PM with fireworks beginning at 7:30 and refreshments provided. Parking in Bicester Village.
Gates: 6PM (fireworks at 7:30PM)
Tickets:: £6 per person plus booking fee (free for under 5s).
2nd Abingdon Scout Group Fireworks Display 2024
Long Furlong Community Centre, Boulter Drive, Abingdon OX14 1XP (Free parking available at Tilsley Park, Dunmore Road, Abingdon, OX14 1PU)
Bring the family along to Long Furlong Community Centre in North Abingdon. Tuck in to a tasty barbeque, warm up with a hot drink, and enjoy the display, with even more entertainment to follow! All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gates: 6PM-8PM (fireworks begin 7:30PM-7:45PM, weather dependent).
Tickets: £6 in advance – £8 on the gate (under 3s free).
Marlow Monster Fireworks
Marlow Sports Club, Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AE
Get ready for the biggest, baddest fireworks show in Marlow - it's gonna be a monster of a night! Bar and food stalls available. Capacity is limited and the event is often sold out, so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
Gates: 6PM-8:30PM
Tickets: Adults £15, children £7.50 (under 5s go free). If tickets are available on the day, they can be bought by card at the gates.
Little Milton Fireworks Night
The Pine Lodge, Thame Rd, Little Milton, Oxford OX44 7PZ
The Annual Village Fireworks display accompanied to music will be taking place on the Recreation Ground with doors opening at 18:00. There will be hot soup, hot dogs for sale plus a bar in the Village Hall. Please do not bring your own fireworks and ensure any pets in attendance are on leads.
Gates: 6PM-9PM
Tickets: Available for purchase in the village Shop, or on the gate.
Steeple Claydon Parish Council Fireworks Display
The Village Hall, 48 Queen Catherine Road, Steeple Claydon, Bucks, MK18 2PY
This is a free event run by the Parish Council, supported by a team of trained volunteers.
Gates: 6:45PM-8PM
Tickets: Free, donations welcome.
Didcot Football Club Fireworks
Didcot FC, Loop Meadow, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7GA
Mega fairground, hot food and drink, a bar, and stalls with glows and sparklers available to buy.
Gates: 4PM-9PM (bonfire at 6PM, fireworks at 7:30PM)
Entry: Children £4 online (£5 on gate), Adults £8 online (£10 on gate) (free for under 5s)
Barrack's Lane Festival of Fire and Light
Barracks Lane Community Garden, Barracks Lane (off Cumberland Road), Oxford, OX4 2AP
A relaxed, easygoing alternative to a fireworks display, with lantern and headdress-making, pumpkin soup over a roaring fire, make-your-own pizza (£4 donation), and a garden procession at 5:30PM.
Gates: 2PM-6PM
Tickets: Free (donations for certain activities)
Standlake Arena Big Bang Bonfire and Firework Meeting
Standlake Arena A415, Witney OX29 7PR, United Kingdom
An action packed day of racing culminating in a Bonfire lighting and Big Bang Firework Spectacular. On track action comes from Unlimited and 2 Litre National Bangers, Juniors, Prod A, Drift Rods and F2 Stox.
Gates: 8AM, first race 11AM. Fireworks display time dependent on runtime of the races.
Tickets: Children £12/£5 after 4PM (free for under 10s), Adults £18/£10 after 4PM, Family £50/£25 after 4PM, no advance tickets - payment on arrival with cash or card accepted. Some vendors will be cash only.
Boddington Fireworks Display
Warwick Road, Upper Boddington, NN11 6DH
This display hosted by Boddington Village Hall offers a bar, BBQ, mulled wine, hot chocolate and children's goodies to accompany the big bang.
Gates: 5:45PM-8PM
Tickets: Children £3 (free for under 4s), Adults £5, Family (4) £12. If buying on the door, cash preferred.
Berinsfield's Community Fireworks Display
Berry Youth Centre, Green Furlong, Berinsfield, Wallingford, OX10 7NR
A FREE community event for everyone to enjoy. Money raised on the night will support Berry Youth Centre in their fundraising efforts to keep the local volunteer-led youth centre operational. Featuring Hatwell’s Funfair, market stalls and food from local caterers. The bonfire will start at 6pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 7pm set by the beautiful Queenford Lakes. Because parking is limited, guests are encouraged to walk to the event.
Gates: 4PM-8PM (fireworks at 7PM)
Tickets: Free entry.
Bicester Golf Hotel Fireworks Display
Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa, Green Lane, OX26 1TH
Join us for our fireworks spectacular! Free car parking.
Gates: 5PM, fireworks from 7PM
Tickets: £5 per person (free for under 5s)
North Leigh FC Fireworks Night
Eynsham Park, Eynsham, OX29 6SL
Alongside the stunning fireworks display will be some music, a fully stocked bar and plenty of food to get stuck into. So get yourselves down to the club for an evening of great fun.
Gates: 5:30PM (fireworks at 6:30PM)
Tickets: Single £6, Family (2+2) £15, free entry for under 5s. Limited car parking spaces £5.
Bodicote Fireworks Night
Kingsfield Playground, Bodicote House, Bodicote, OX15 4BN
Fireworks display with food and fairground attractions.Free parking will be available at Bodicote House, along with the car park opposite Bishop Loveday School. White Post Road will be closed. Access is via Wykham Lane (pedestrians only) or Sycamore Drive (vehicles and pedestrians). This is a no-sparkler event.
Gates: 6PM (fireworks at 7:30PM)
Tickets: £5, free entry for under 5s.
Kidlington Fireworks
Stratfield Brake Sports Ground, Frieze Way, Kidlington OX5 1UP
A low noise and environmentally friendly display opening with a fire show. BBQ and bar with stalls and fair rides.
Gates: 6PM, fireworks 7PM prompt.
Tickets: Adults £6, children £4 (£1 if bought in advance from Exeter Hall).
Hanborough Musical Fireworks
The Pavilion, Roosevelt Rd, Long Hanborough, Witney OX29 8JG
A fireworks display synchronised to music, accompanied by fairground rides and generous helpings of BBQ, baked potatoes and mulled wine.
Gates: 6PM, fireworks at 7:15PM.
Tickets: Adults £5, children £2 (cash only, all profts go to charity).
Cokethorpe School Fireworks
The Pavilion, Roosevelt Rd, Long Hanborough, Witney OX29 8JG
The CPFA invite you and your family to our annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Alongside a selection of fairground rides – and candy floss – this year, the firework display will be choreographed to music, providing a truly memorable experience. There will be plenty of food options available, with mulled wine, mulled apple juice, hot chocolate, and a selection of other hot and cold beverages.
Gates: 7PM-9:30PM (bonfire at 7:30PM, fireworks 8:15PM).
Tickets: £ (£35 family tickets for families of 5).
Fritwell School Fireworks
East Street, Fritwell, United Kingdom, OX27 7PX
Fritwell School’s display is paired with a BBQ and bar, sweets and games and light up toys for the whole family.
Gates: 5PM
Tickets: £5 (free for under 3s), available from [email protected] and via ParentPay for school parents.
Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks
Abingdon Airfield, Barrow Road, Shippon OX13 6JQ
The UK’s biggest fireworks display and light show synchronized to music, as well as monster trucks and stunts from a jet-powered van. There will be a smaller, low-noise fireworks display for children at 6:30 before the main display.
Gates: 3PM-9PM
Tickets: Advance Saver Child £8.90 (£10 on the day) (free for under 3s), Advance Saver Adult £17.50 (£20 on the day), Family (2+2) £48.68, not available on the day (booking fees not included).
Thame Fireworks Display
Chinnor Rugby Club, Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3JL
Fireworks display organised by the 3 Thame Primary Schools: St Joseph's, John Hampden and Barley Hill. Enjoy the fireworks, accompanied by music, while raising money to support these local schools. Food vendors and bar services are available. Pre-event entertainment includes big screen international rugby (3PM) and a live children's entertainer (4:30PM).
Gates: 2:30PM (fireworks 6:30PM).
Tickets: Adults £7.50, children £4.50 (under 5s free).
Yarnton Fireworks
Little Marsh Pavilion Green Lane Yarnton OX5 1QE
Yarnton’s display includes hot dogs, hot drinks to pair with the night's pyrotechnics.
Gates: 5:30PM-8PM
Tickets: £4.50 (free for under 5s).
Advice for Pet Owners
Pets can struggle during fireworks season - some find it scary and need help in coping. If you're heading out to a display bear in mind that your pets may be alarmed without you. Here's what Dogs Trust recommend:
- Make your house and garden escape-proof. Scared pets can try to run away if they’re scared. Close your windows and curtains, turn the lights on, and try switching on the TV to help disguise the noise.
- Go for walkies before dark. Make sure you get out well before any fireworks could start.
- Feed your pet before it gets noisy. Once fireworks begin, they might be too stressed to eat.
- Create a safe hiding place and settle your pet before fireworks start. A den is a great way to help them to feel safe and secure. A den is easy to make and can be put together with things you already have.
- Vets can also recommend effective, natural remedies to help pets stay calm. Pheromone diffusers can create a calm atmosphere in your home.
- It's important to bear wildlife in mind too - always check bonfires for hedgehogs, and don't set fireworks off in areas with livestock (many of Oxford's wilder open spaces are grazed by cattle at this time of year).