Bonfire night and fireworks in and around Plymouth 2026
Plymouth does one bonfire night, and it does it brilliantly. There's a huge bonfire by Smeaton's Tower, fireworks launched from the Royal Citadel, a fairground along the Promenade, and around 20,000 neighbours in bobble hats. It's on Thursday 5 November, it's free, and it's right on the waterfront. Here's everything you need to plan it, plus a few more displays within a short drive if Thursday doesn't work.
Quick picks
The big one: Plymouth Hoe Bonfire Night, Thu 5 Nov. It's free.
Calmer with little ones: watch from further along the Hoe or the Promenade, away from the bonfire crowds.
Weekend option: Dartington Trust's Skyburst display near Totnes, Sat 7 Nov.
Plymouth Hoe Bonfire Night
The city's big night, with a fairground, food stalls, a giant bonfire and around 15 minutes of fireworks by Sonic Fireworks, launched from the Citadel walls.
Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
4pm | Fairground and food stalls open on the Promenade |
7pm | Bonfire lit, next to Smeaton's Tower |
7.30pm | Fireworks, launched from the Royal Citadel |
10pm | Fairground closes |
When: Thu 5 Nov 2026
Where: Plymouth Hoe, PL1 2PJ
Price: free to watch. Rides and food cost extra, so bring cash.
Live stream: there isn't one.
Updates: it goes ahead unless announced otherwise. Check the Visit Plymouth and What's On Plymouth Facebook pages on the day.
Sources: Visit Plymouth: Bonfire Night FAQs 2026; Coast & Country Parks
Where to watch
Near Smeaton's Tower: the best view of the bonfire and the full buzz. It's also the busiest spot.
Further along the Hoe towards the Promenade: a clear view of the fireworks over the Citadel, with more space for buggies and small people.
Arrive by 6.30pm for a good spot, and eat before the 6pm food queues build.
Getting there and parking
Roads around the Hoe close for the evening and nearby parking is very limited. In previous years the council has advised parking in city centre car parks, such as Western Approach or Theatre Royal, and walking down. Blue badge parking has been available on the Hoe in previous years.
Closures in 2025 included Hoe Road, Madeira Road, Citadel Road, Windsor Place and parts of Notte Street, mostly 5pm to 9pm. Expect something similar.
More displays within a drive
Bonfire Night at Stones & Stars, Radford Quarry, Plymstock
On Thursday 5th November, we’re lighting a community bonfire in the car park by the lake, and everyone’s welcome to join us. Nothing too fancy, think toasted marshmallows, toffee apples, hot chocolate and a cosy fire to chat around.
Wrap up warm, bring the family and come and say hello. We’ll get going from 6 pm and will light the bonfire at 7 pm.
There won’t be any parking available that evening, as the bonfire is taking over the car park. So pull on your boots and walk down to us. It’s all part of the fun, and it means more room around the fire for everyone to mingle.
When: Thu 5 Nov, 6pm.
Where: Radford Quarry, Kingfisher Way, PL9 7RU
Fireworks at Dartington Trust, near Totnes (about 25 miles)
A Skyburst display in Dartington's grounds. It makes a lovely Saturday evening out, and it's well worth the drive.
When: Sat 7 Nov, doors 5pm. Book in advance.
Book: Tickets here
The Big Sparkle, Trago Mills, Newton Abbot (about 30 miles)
When: Thu 5 Nov. Gates 5pm, fireworks 7.30pm.
Info: Trago Mills
Fireworks Night at Newton Abbot Racecourse (about 30 miles)
When: Sat 7 Nov. Doors 4pm, gates close 7.15pm, display 7.30pm. Book in advance.
Book: Newton Abbot RFC
Tips for the Hoe with kids
Ear defenders for babies and toddlers. It's loud, and the fireworks are close.
Agree a meeting point (Smeaton's Tower is easy) and write your phone number on little arms.
Glow sticks make small people easy to spot in a crowd of 20,000.
Layers and a hat. It's breezy up on the Hoe.
Cash for the fairground and food stalls.
Can't wait till November 2027? The British Firework Championships return to the Hoe in August 2027.
FAQs
Is Plymouth Hoe bonfire night free?
Yes. The bonfire and fireworks are free to watch. Fairground rides and food cost extra.
What time are the Plymouth fireworks in 2026?
The bonfire is lit at 7pm and the fireworks start at 7.30pm on Thursday 5 November. The fairground opens at 4pm.
Where's the best place to watch the Plymouth fireworks?
Near Smeaton's Tower for the bonfire and atmosphere, or further along the Hoe towards the Promenade for more space and a clear view of the fireworks over the Citadel.
Is the Plymouth bonfire night live-streamed?
No. There's no online stream.