The Fifth of November in the UK is known as Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Day / Night. It is celebrated with firework displays around that time. If you want to mark the occasion, here are some of the best Bonfire Night events in Norfolk.
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History of Bonfire Night
In 1605, Guy Fawkes, a Catholic, tried to blow up Parliament in protest because it was under Protestant control. The plot failed and Fawkes was executed. Big fires were lit around London in celebration and the anniversary has been marked ever since with both fireworks and bonfires.
Read more about Guy Fawkes here.
Bonfire Night in Norfolk
You will probably hear and see fireworks for a few days leading up to the big night and even a few days after. There are several organized events but there are many more informal ones. Personally, I prefer to leave the firework displays up to the professionals. Not only is it safer, but the show will be more spectacular.
The biggest fireworks show on Norfolk’s calendar is usually Norwich’s Big Boom Fireworks, a huge display above Norwich Castle. However, it hasn’t been held since 2019, but don’t worry there are many other Bonfire events in Norfolk.
Remember these are outdoor events, so be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately.
Norwich Big Boom
2024 Date: Cancelled
Norwich celebrates Bonfire Night with a huge free fireworks display over Norwich Castle. Crowds gather on St. Peter’s Street by the City Hall to watch it. It is typically held on the Thursday closest to Bonfire Night but it has not taken place since 2019. No tickets are needed.
Blakeney Fireworks & Bonfire Event
2024 Date: 26 October (or 27 October if weather dictates)
It may be a little early but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The evening kicks off at 17:00 with a variety of hot food and various attractions at Carnser car park. Then Ruby Flames performs at 18:15.
The bonfire will be lit at 18:45 and the fireworks show is at 19:30. It’s done by Titanium Fireworks, who also do the Cromer New Year’s Day fireworks.
It’s a free event and no tickets are needed. You can park for free at the Blakeney Village Hall car park. Get details here.
Fawkes in The Walks in King’s Lynn
2024 Date: 1 November
This free fireworks display is organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. There will be stalls, live music, refreshments, and a fun fair too.
The fun starts at 18:00, with the bonfire lighting at 18:30 and the firework show at 20:00. You do not need any tickets. Get details here.
While you are in the area, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best things to do in King’s Lynn.
Aylsham Fireworks Evening
2024 Date: 1 November
Get ready for an unforgettable night that includes a bonfire and two fireworks displays. Enjoy delicious bites from local food vendors, craft brews by Redwell Brewery, and classic fairground rides. The event takes place right next to Woodgate Nursery, and don’t forget—a family ticket offers the best value.
Get more information here.
Wroxham Barns Low Bang Firework Event
2024 Date: 1 & 2 November
If you have young children, this is probably the best Bonfire night event for you. They have a low bang firework display set to child friendly music and you get entry to the Junior Farm for the evening. Kids can enjoy the rides at the fun park too.
You get your own square in the firework field. Bring a blanket or some camping chairs to make the most of the evening. If you get hungry, their catering areas will be open, along with food trucks and a bar.
Advance booking required. Get more information here.
Mattishall Fireworks
2024 Date: 1 November
The Mattishall Sports & Social Club is hosting a Fireworks Spectacular! The display will happen at 20:00, but there will be live music and children’s entertainment leading up to it. They will have food and a fully licensed bar. Purchase tickets soon to get the early bird price.
Get more information here. UPDATE: NOW SOLD OUT
Cringleford Scouts Fireworks Display
2024 Date: 1 November
The gates open at the Cringleford Recreation Ground on Oakfields Road for the annual bonfire and fireworks display at 18:30. The bonfire will be lit at 18:45. The first fireworks display is at 19:15, while the main one takes place at 20:15.
There will be food (bbq & hog roast), entertainment including a performance from the City of Norwich Pipe Band, children’s rides, and more.
Please walk to the event if you can as there is no parking on Oakfields Road or at the Recreation Ground. You will need to buy your ticket in advance online this year and numbers are limited.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Thorpe St. Andrews Fireworks
2024 Date: 2 November
Head to Fitzmaurice Park for a funfair, food stalls, a bar, and of course fireworks around 19:30. You will need to buy tickets in advance to attend.
Watch our video highlights from their 2022 show here.
Get more information here. UPDATE: NOW SOLD OUT
Hunstanton Fireworks
2024 Date: 2 November
Hunstanton has one of the largest firework displays in the area and it gets bigger each year. The event is held at the Hunstanton Clifftop Car Park. They have a funfair with children’s rides, stalls, live music with laser show, a large bonfire, fireworks, and refreshments.
You need to buy tickets in advance at the Princess Theatre or online if you have time for the tickets to be mailed. Get more details here.
Crusader’s Rugby Club Fireworks
2024 Date: 2 November
See a professional fireworks display at the Crusader’s Rugby Club in Little Melton. There will also be a BBQ, face painter, Knights Tower Medieval Combat, and more. Buy tickets in advance to save.
Get more information here.
Great Yarmouth Fantastic Fireworks Gala Night
2024 Date: 2 November
Enjoy an exciting combination of adrenaline-pumping racing and a breath-taking fireworks display at Great Yarmouth Stadium. With an impressive line-up of Bangers, along with Superstox and 1300 Stockcars, this event promises an action-packed spectacle. The real highlight of the evening is the huge firework display.
Get more information here.
1st Mulbarton Scouts Fireworks Event
2024 Date: 2 November
The fun takes place at the Mulbarton Scout Headquarters where they will have a bonfire, fireworks, and BBQ. You can watch a video of the 2023 bonfire here.
There is no prebooking, you just pay cash at the gate. Get details here.
Taverham Fireworks Night
2024 Date: 2 November
This popular annual bonfire and fireworks night event is back! Gates will open at 18:00 with firework displays at 19:00 and 20:00. It all happens at the Taverham Scout Group Headquarters on Sandy Lane (Use postcode NR8 6JR for the sat nav). Note there is no designated parking.
You need to purchase tickets in advance here.
Fireworks Night at South Walsham Village Hall
2024 Date: 2 November
This year, there’s plenty to keep you warm and entertained at this Bonfire Night celebration including children’s rides, hot food, fairground games, stalls, and a bar. Gates open at 17:00. The bonfire will be lit at 18:00 and then prepare to be dazzled by the fireworks display at 19:00.
Get the details here.
Bawburgh Village Hall Fireworks Night
2024 Date: 2 November
Doors for the Bawburgh Village Hall Fireworks Night open at 5:30 pm, with mulled wine, a fully stocked bar, kids’ stall, and glow sticks to light up the night. Tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours in advance!
Get more information here.
Swaffham Rugby Club Fireworks Display
2024 Date: 3 November
It will be a fantastic evening at the Bonfire Night celebration in Swaffham! Gates open at 17:00, and the highlight of the evening, the fireworks show, will light up the sky at 19:00. You can also enjoy a BBQ, refreshments, a well-stocked bar, exciting side stalls, and fun-filled kid activities throughout the event.
There are no advance tickets required; simply pay with cash at the entrance.
Get more information here.
Filby Fireworks
2024 Date: 3 November
The evening kicks off with a big bonfire at 18:00, setting the stage for the fireworks show that follows. For those seeking more excitement, there will be fun fair rides suitable for all ages. You won’t have to worry about going hungry, as there will be hot food stands. Plus, there’s a licensed bar for those looking to unwind and enjoy the evening.
Just a quick reminder: No debit or credit cards will be accepted, so be sure to have cash on hand for all your purchases including your entry fee.
Get more information here.
Thetford Fireworks Spectacular
2024 Date: 3 November
Don’t miss the fun at Barnham Cross Common Playing Fields in Thetford. It’s a fantastic family event with free admission. Enjoy two incredible fireworks displays—one for children at 17:45 and another for adults at 19:45. There are fairground rides, delicious food vendors, and more to keep you entertained from 15:00. Convenient parking is available at Barnham Common for a £3 donation.
Get more information here.
Wroxham Football Club Annual Fireworks Display
2024 Date: 3 November
Wroxham FC is hosting its annual fireworks display at Wroxham Football Club. The show will light up the sky at 19:30. Leon Mallett will perform before the fireworks, and there will be fairground rides, hot food and drinks, plus a bar with Woodforde’s beer on tap.
You can save money by purchasing tickets early. Get more details here.
Sparks in the Park
2024 Date: 5 November
Enjoy a family-friendly Bonfire Night at Highfield Farm in Rollesby with an early wildlife considered firework display, followed by a spectacular traditional show. There’s also a funfair, bonfire, and plenty of food and drink, including the Redwell Brewery fire engine mobile bar, a classic hog roast, and much more!
Get the details here.
Friends of Roughton Annual Fireworks Display
2024 Date: CANCELLED
The fun starts at 17:00 at St. Mary’s School (NR11 8AF). You can enjoy the food until the fireworks show starts at 18:15.
Get more information here.
Downham Market Fireworks
2024 Date: CANCELLED
This fireworks festival at Stradsett Hall and Country Park will have a live stage, music, dancing, fire breathers, fairground, food and of course, fireworks and it is all for charity. There will be rides, slides and more fun things for the kids. JakRopa will be running the show on stage, and keeping everyone entertained.
You can save by buying tickets early here.
30th Norwich Scout Group Bonfire & Fireworks Display in Sprowston
2024 Date: 5 November
The celebration takes place at Tusting Close (NR7 8TD). Gates open at 18:30. The bonfire will be lit at 19:00 and there will be fireworks at 19:30 and 20:00 (approximately).
You can save by purchasing advance tickets Newscene Sprowston Road, Freshbake Bakery or J and P Fish North Walsham Road. Get more information here.
North Wootton Scout and Guide’s Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display
2024 Date: 5 November
The North Wootton Scout and Guide’s Annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display kicks off at 18:00. At 19:15, the night sky will light up with a fireworks show. Treat your taste buds to a selection of hotdogs, burgers, drinks, and ice cream. And, of course, the night would not be complete without a crackling bonfire.
Please remember that tickets must be booked in advance to secure your spot.
Get more information here.
Hautbois Bonfire and Fireworks Night
2024 Date: 8 November
Have a go at climbing and abseiling, then treat yourself to toasted marshmallows, and try your luck at winning exciting fair games! Delicious food and hot drinks will be available for purchase, and the evening will culminate with a firework display.
Get more information and buy tickets here. It will sell out.
We Love Fireworks at the Wymondham Rugby Club
2024 Date: 8 November
It’s an evening with fireworks, a funfair, DJ, live music, and street food vendors at the Wymondham Rugby Club starting at 17:00. They will also serve a range of drinks from the rugby club bar.
Note there is limited on site parking.
You need to book in advance as it does sell out, get more information here.
Reedham Village Bonfire Night
2024 Date: 9 November
Enjoy a memorable Bonfire Night celebration at Reedham Village Hall. The evening’s festivities will commence with the lighting of the bonfire at approximately 18:20, followed by the fireworks display at 19:00.
There will be a BBQ offering a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Refreshments and glow sticks will be available to enhance your experience, and for your convenience, they accept card payments.
Entry is absolutely free! They welcome any donations to help cover the cost of the fireworks.
Get more information here.
Hellesdon Fireworks and Halloween Night
2024 Date: 9 November
Hellesdon High School is hosting an event for Bonfire Night from 17:00 to 20:00. You can enjoy a bar, games, food stalls, cakes, craft stalls and lots more.
Get more information here.
Bonfire Night at Chet Valley Vineyard
2024 Date: 9 November
Enjoy Bonfire Night with a twist at Chet Valley Vineyard! Your ticket includes pizza and a glass of mulled wine for adults, with soft drinks for the kids. There will be a bonfire and then the fireworks will light up the sky at 19:00. The Skylark Bar will also be open.
Get more information here.
More Seasonal Events in Norfolk
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our other event guides:
The Best Halloween Events in Norfolk