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Twinkling red and white festive lights

Seasonal · Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night with kids: firework displays and safety

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November in 2026, with lots of displays on the weekends either side. Here’s how to enjoy the bangs and sparkles safely, at any age.

Photo: Cole Ciarlello on Unsplash

Scout the Fox

Scout’s tip

Scout’s firework tip

Organised public displays are the safest (and often cheapest) way to see fireworks. Book online early: many sell cheaper advance tickets and some sell out.

  • Ear defenders for babies and toddlers
  • Gloves on for sparklers, and a bucket of water for used ones
  • Agree a meeting point in the crowd

Find an organised display

Councils, schools, sports clubs and attractions run displays around 5 November, often with food stalls and fairground rides. Search your council’s website and local news for listings. Some heritage railways, castles and theme parks run firework events too: see seasonal events.

Little ones and loud bangs

  • Bring ear defenders for babies and toddlers.
  • Stand further back: you still see the sky, but it’s less loud.
  • Early-evening or “quiet” displays suit younger children.

Sparkler safety

  • Sparklers aren’t recommended for under-5s.
  • Wear gloves, hold them at arm’s length and light one at a time.
  • Put used sparklers hot end down in a bucket of water. They stay hot for a long time.

Pets

Fireworks can frighten pets. Our sister site has tips on keeping pets calm during fireworks.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

When is Bonfire Night 2026?
Bonfire Night is on Thursday 5 November 2026. Many organised displays take place on the weekends before and after.
What age can children use sparklers?
Sparklers aren’t recommended for under-5s. Older children should wear gloves and always be supervised.

Where shall we go next?