- Play Hard
- 29th Oct 2026
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Bonfire Night 2026: Where to watch fireworks across the North East
The North East knows how to do Bonfire Night right.
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5th November this year, so the displays are spread across two bumper weekends and the big night itself. From beach-front displays and live music to family-friendly funfairs and glowing skies above historic landmarks, here’s where to catch the best fireworks across the region this November.
Grab a hat, wrap up warm and prepare for the sparkle.
NOTE: We know Bonfire Night can be a scary time for our furry friends. Check out our advice on keeping our beloved pets safe.
Sunderland Spooktacular – Barnes Park, Sunderland
Friday 30th October 2026, from 4pm
Kick off the fireworks season early with Wearside’s spooky-season favourite: two displays in one night. Gates open at 4pm for rides, food stalls and live entertainment, followed by a low-noise early show and a high-impact finale after dark. Family-friendly and full of atmosphere, it’s one of the region’s biggest.
Blyth Fireworks – Mermaid Car Park, Blyth Seafront
Saturday 31st October 2026, from 4pm
Blyth’s annual display draws huge crowds to the coast for family fun, fairground rides and a spectacular show over the sea. The funfair and a Halloween disco start at 4pm, with a low-noise display at 6pm (great for little ones) and the main display at 7.30pm. Free entry, with rides and food paid on the night.
Kynren Pyromusical – Bishop Auckland
Saturday 31st October 2026, from 4.30pm
Kynren goes out with a bang, literally, with a pyromusical that combines fireworks, fire pits, music and light. Set against the epic backdrop of the Kynren stage with Auckland Palace on the hill behind, it’s a cinematic, immersive show a level above your usual Bonfire Night. Ticket booking is essential.
North Tyneside Fireworks – The Links, Whitley Bay
Sunday 1st November 2026, from 6pm
One of the largest free displays in the region returns to Whitley Bay seafront, with thousands of people expected on the Links. There’s no beating a bonfire-night backdrop of the North Sea, so wrap up warm, grab a bag of chips and find your spot early. Free to attend.
South Shields Fireworks – Ocean Beach, South Shields
Sunday 1st November 2026, from 6pm
South Tyneside Council brings two free displays back to the South Shields seafront, by Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, with a second viewing spot at the New Sundial. A brilliant, budget-friendly family night by the sea. Free to attend.
Seaham Fireworks – Seaham Seafront
Sunday 1st November 2026, from 5pm
Watch the reflections dance across the waves as fireworks light up Seaham’s seafront, with this year’s show themed ‘Angels vs Demons’. Expect food and craft stalls, kids’ rides and stage entertainment, with the display best viewed from the promenade or cliff-top paths. A free family favourite.
Fireworks by the River – Durham
Sunday 1st November 2026, from 5pm
Back by popular demand for 2026, this riverside display promises its best show yet. There’s all the usual food, BBQ, hot dogs, chips, soup and cakes, plus The Greedy Goose serving up fresh, wood-fired pizza. A relaxed, free family evening on the water’s edge.
Beamish Hall Fireworks Extravaganza – Beamish, Stanley
Sunday 1st – Wednesday 4th November 2026, from 6pm
Four nights of fireworks, food trucks and fairground fun in the grounds of the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel. The displays return bigger and brighter for 2026, lighting up the valley each evening. Hotel guests can watch from the terrace with a mulled wine in hand. One ticket per car.
Twice Brewed Inn Fireworks – Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Thursday 5th November 2026, from 5pm
A cosy, countryside celebration right by Hadrian’s Wall, with a bonfire lit at 6.30pm, a 30-minute display at 7pm, live music by the fire and Milecastle Inn pizzas, burgers and doughnuts on the menu. Grab a pint of local ale and enjoy the fireworks against one of England’s most historic landscapes. Free, no tickets needed.
Fireworks at the Fort – Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend
Thursday 5th November 2026, from 5pm
Celebrate Bonfire Night at the end of Hadrian’s Wall, with the whole family invited to Segedunum Roman Fort. There are two separate displays, starting with an earlier, quieter show for sensitive ears before building to the main display at the end of the night. Entry is free.
Newcastle Racecourse Firework Racenight – High Gosforth Park
Friday 6th November 2026, from 2pm
Newcastle Racecourse pairs an evening of floodlit flat racing with a magical, family-friendly fireworks night themed around favourite toy characters. Alongside eight races, there’s a funfair, character meet-and-greets, a treasure hunt, fire breathers and stilt walkers, and a best-dressed competition, so come as your favourite character. It all builds to a fireworks and laser show choreographed to music.
Gateshead Stadium Firework Frenzy – Gateshead
Saturday 7th November 2026, from 5pm
A big-ticket city display at Gateshead International Stadium, with a large-scale aerial show set to a soundtrack, plus live pre-show entertainment, a funfair and stalls. Gates open at 5pm and the fireworks start once darkness falls. Great value, and easy to get to, book tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Alnwick Round Table Fireworks – Alnwick
Saturday 7th November 2026, from 6pm
A community favourite with family-friendly pricing, this traditional night at Alnwick Town Juniors FC includes a funfair, food trucks and the club bar. Simple, charming and full of community spirit, everything you want from Bonfire Night. Tickets are available to purchase at the gate.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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