Ooooh, ahhhh! We love a fireworks display – toffee apples, candyfloss, the smell of gunpowder in the air. And there are some brilliant displays in and around Tunbridge Wells this November. Plus they’re a great way to support a local charity, school or community group. We’ll be updating this guide as more details are announced, so check back for the latest!
Here are some fantastic fireworks displays in Kent and East Sussex
Dunorlan Park fireworks
One of Tunbridge Wells’ biggest annual events, the Dunorlan Park Fireworks return on Saturday 7 November. This year’s theme is The Magic of the Movies, with an 18-minute pyromusical spectacular featuring iconic film scores. When the gates open at 5.30pm there will be food and drink vendors selling craft beers, ciders, wine, soft drinks and hot drinks. The fireworks will start at 7pm. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Dunorlan Park, watch the display from the hill, with the fireworks reflected across the lake. Book your tickets asap.
Speldhurst Fireworks
The Speldhurst Primary School PTA Fireworks are always a lovely early-evening option for families, this year it’ll take place on Saturday 7 November, from 4:30pm to 6pm. Tickets go on sale on 14 October, so pop the date in your diary. Expect an amazing fireworks display and bonfire, plus a BBQ, local draft beers, mulled wine, hot chocolate, candy floss, games, glow gifts and much much more.
Rusthall FIRE & GLOW FESTIVAL
The Rusthall Fire & Glow Festival returns on Sunday 31 October from 6-9pm, bringing the community together for one of the most exciting nights of the year. The fun starts with a Glow Party in the Basketball Court, laser shows and a pumpkin display, followed by a torchlight parade and live music (torches on sale from 7pm) winding its way to the playing fields. The spectacular fireworks display will commence at 8:30pm at Southwood Playing Fields. This is a free event, with donation buckets on the night helping to support the cost of next year’s celebrations.
Tunbridge Wells RFC Fireworks and Halloween Evening
The TWRFC Fireworks Night takes place at Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club, date TBC. Gates open at 6pm, with the fireworks display at 7:30pm, plus a sizzling BBQ, music, and a fully stocked bar to keep the party going. This family-friendly event runs until 11pm, with tickets available online in advance or on the gate (discounts for families and TWRFC members).
Crowborough Town Council fireworks
The FREE Crowborough Annual Firework Display returns on Thursday 5 November at Goldsmiths Recreation Ground. Gates open at 7pm, with the fireworks starting at 7:30pm. This year’s display is set to 90s dance music, so expect plenty of nostalgic tunes alongside the fireworks. It’s a free event, although donations are welcome. Parking is limited, so use the free town centre car parks.
PEMBURY FIREWORKS
The Pembury Fireworks are back on Friday 6 November, with tickets now on sale! The event will take place on Lower Green Recreation Ground from 7:30pm. Adults are £7 plus booking fee, while under-16s go free, although children still need a booked ticket and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
HORSMONDEN fireworks
Head to Horsmonden Cricket Club for an evening of fireworks, family fun and fantastic food on Saturday 7 November. Gates open from 5:30pm, with the fireworks display lighting up the sky at 7:30pm. Expect a brilliant community atmosphere with BBQ food, a bar and various stalls to enjoy throughout the evening.
Leeds Castle
For something seriously spectacular, head to Leeds Castle on Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 November. This year’s theme is TIME, with fireworks choreographed to iconic songs, plus lasers and projections lighting up the castle. It’s more of a full afternoon-and-evening event, with the castle grounds, food, entertainment and plenty to keep you busy before the fireworks. Tickets are now on sale.
Arrive from 2pm to enjoy the castle grounds, maze, gardens, adventure golf* and a falconry display at 3pm. From 5.30pm, the grand fireworks begin, with live music, fairground rides, and plenty of delicious street food on offer.
Wadhurst Fireworks
The Wadhurst Warriors are back with their annual Bonfire & Firework Display on Saturday 7 November. Gates open at 5:30pm, the bonfire is lit at 6:30pm and the fireworks begin at 7:30pm, with the evening wrapping up at 9pm. There’ll be a BBQ, fully licensed bar, cocktail and Prosecco bar, mulled wine, food stalls and glow goodies for the kids. Early bird tickets are on sale now! Adults are £10, children are £5 and under 5s go free.
Kent Life fireworks
There are activities for all ages going on at Kent Life on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November, including fairground rides, face painting and food and drink options. Please note the gates open from 3pm and last admission will be at 5:30pm. Tickets must be pre-booked online there will be NO admission on the gate.
Tonbridge fireworks
Fancy something a little earlier? The Tonbridge Annual Fireworks Display returns to Tonbridge Park on Sunday 1 November. Gates open at 5pm, with the fireworks starting at 6:30pm. This year’s display has a spooky Halloween theme, with pyrotechnics, eerie effects and music, plus food stalls, live entertainment and bars. Tickets are available in advance, with proceeds going to local charities.
More fireworks displays and bonfire nights in Kent and Sussex…
Godstone Farm Mini Fireworks Festival
The Mini Fireworks Festival at Godstone Farm returns on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, with its legendary Low Bang Fireworks making them a great option for families with little ones. This year’s show also features lasers, alongside fire acts, stilt walkers, a dazzling juggler and a kids’ disco. The festival runs from 4:30pm until late, with food, drinks and bars on site, plus the adventure playground and soft play barn open for after-dark fun.
Frant CEP School fireworks
Taking place at Frant CEP school, these fireworks are always such a fab family event, and all proceeds go to Frant Primary school. This year the barbecue, bar, hot chocolates and mulled wine kicks off at 4.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 5pm. Fireworks should start at around 6pm. The event is held on the school field in Frant – TN3 9DX in your Sat Nav should get you there. Date TBC, check back when more details are released.
Shipbourne School PTA fireworks and bonfire night
The Shipbourne School Firework & Bonfire Night Party takes place on Saturday 7 November from 4:15pm – 6pm at the Events Field opposite Shipbourne Primary School, near Tonbridge. Expect a family-friendly evening with a bonfire, fireworks, children’s illuminated novelties, a family disco, plus tasty refreshments including BBQ, cakes and a licensed bar. Tickets are £25 for a family of four or £7 per person (children aged 2 and under go free). Tickets must be printed in advance and are available via Ticketsource or from The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne. All proceeds support Shipbourne Primary School.
Nizels Fireworks Night
Head to Nizels in Hildenborough on Friday 6 November for a family-friendly evening of fireworks and entertainment. Gates open at 5:30pm, with a children’s disco from 6pm, plus stilt walkers, face painting, live entertainment and plenty of food and drink to enjoy before the 7:30pm fireworks display. Tickets are required, and don’t forget to pre-book your parking too. Parking tickets won’t be available on the night.
Benenden Bonfire & Fireworks
A little further out but well worth considering, Benenden Bonfire & Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7 November at the field by Benenden School’s main entrance. Gates open at 5:30pm, the bonfire is lit at 6:30pm and fireworks begin at 7pm. There’ll be a BBQ, refreshments, licensed bar and real ale, and tickets go on sale from 1 October. Adults are £8, children £4 and under-5s go free.
Edenbridge Fireworks Extravaganza
For something a little more spectacular, Edenbridge Bonfire Society hosts its famous Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza on Saturday 7 November. The evening kicks off with a torch-lit carnival procession at 6:30pm, featuring two enormous 11m-high effigies, marching bands, floats and costumed walking parties, before everyone heads to the Recreation Ground for food, drink, entertainment and the fireworks at 8:30pm.
Have you made plans for October Half Term? Check out our guide with 50+ October Half Term Events around Tunbridge Wells:
