Bonfire night is one of the UK’s strangest, and most beloved, holidays. Each year, on the 5th of November, we light up the skies with fireworks to celebrate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
This plot was an unsuccessful attempt by Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament, as they were unhappy with the Protestant ruling of King James VI and the decades of religious persecution against the Catholics. Although Guy Fawkes is the most famous out of the men who planned this explosion, there were actually 12 men involved in the plot, unfortunately for Fawkes he was the one found with the 36 barrels of explosives underneath Parliament. The other men, discovering that the plan had been foiled, attempted to flee London. This is why Bonfire Night is alternatively known as Guy Fawkes night.
Although, nowadays Bonfire night is seen as a good reason for communities to come together and to bring some joy and light to the long nights of November. Bonfire night celebrations consist of large roaring fires, spectacular firework displays, and a good excuse to eat a toffee apple whilst reflecting on centuries-old traditions.
Bonfire night fireworks at Alexandra Palace
We recommend that the best way to enjoy all that bonfire night has to offer is to head to a community organised event, this is because they often have amazing food and drinks on offer; including, pulled pork and apple baps, toffee apples, or mulled wine. Not only this, but organised community events are a safer way to appreciate the festivities and can have less of an impact on local wildlife as they are more controlled.
Specifically at Alexandra Palace, you will be able to enjoy not only a fireworks display, but a Drown Show, street food, DJ sets, live bands offering tributes of ABBA and Oasis. As well as funfair rides, carnival games, ice disco, and a massive bonfire!
Please read on to find the best travel advice for if you are hoping to head to Alexandra Palace for their magnificent fireworks display.
Where to get tickets for the Ally Pally display
When are the fireworks taking place?
On Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of November.
How much do tickets cost?
- For a child aged 0-10 tickets cost £6
- For children aged 11-15 tickets are £12.05
- And for adults (16+) tickets are £18.65
Where do I purchase tickets?
You can get tickets either from Dice or Ticketmaster, the easiest way to do this is to follow the link on the webpage.
What time do the fireworks start?
For Friday (1st) the running times ate 6pm-10:30pm - with the last entry being 9:05pm
On Saturday (2nd) the running times are 4pm-10:30pm - with the last entry being 8:05pm.
Book parking ahead of time using JustPark
Considering there will be thousands of people heading to Alexandra Palace for the fireworks, you’ll want to make sure your parking is sorted well ahead of time.
The simplest and most convenient option for parking for most event-goers would be to download JustPark and rent a private driveway or find a secure space in a car park nearby. Not only will it save you time and money on the day-of, but it will also give you guaranteed access to a parking space near Alexandra Palace and can offer flexibility that other traditional car parks can’t.
Using the JustPark app or website, you can search, find and reserve a space which should tick most of your boxes when looking for parking:
- You can search for spaces within walking distance of Ally Pally and get more affordable rates than local car parks or unsecured pop-up parking
- You should be able to escape the crowds more easily leaving your car in a slightly less congested area
- You can extend your parking session easily through the JustPark app if you’re facing delays getting out of the crowds
- You can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got a guaranteed parking space upon arrival
Park nearby & take public transit
Service is rapid and easy across London when accessing Alexandra Palace, and is a popular option for event-goers. Some options include:
Trains:
- Station: Alexandra Palace Station
- Details: The nearest station is Alexandra Palace, which is served by Great Northern trains. Once at the station, you can walk to the venue in about 10-15 minutes.
Tube Services:
- Line: Wood Green
- Stop: Piccadilly Line
- Details: The nearest London Underground station is Wood Green on the Piccadilly Line, located around 1 mile from Alexandra Palace.
Buses:
- Bus Route W7: The W7 bus will be running as usual to the South of the Park, from where you can enter the Festival site via Gate 6. The W3 is on diversion, but will still stop on Priory Road, which is about a 10 minute walk from the site.
- Bus Route 184: This bus also runs nearby, and will allow you to enter the festival site via Gates 1 & 2 (however this bus will be on diversion between 9pm-10:20 on Friday the 1st, and 8pm-9:20 on Saturday the 2nd)
Take the train into London
Take the train into London to save yourself driving on congested roads. If you're travelling from out of town and prefer to drive part way and take the train for the remainder of your journey, here are some more affordable pre-bookable parking options from different directions:
From Birmingham and the West, consider parking at Birmingham International Station. Regular trains run to London Euston, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes. Parking spaces are available starting at approximately £5 per hour.
From Cambridge and the North, look into parking near Stansted Airport Station. Trains to London Liverpool Street are frequent and take about 45 minutes. Car parking spaces near the station start at around £3 per hour.
From Brighton and the South, consider Gatwick Airport Station. Trains to London Victoria take about 30-35 minutes, with parking spaces starting at around £4 per hour.
From Reading and the West, find parking around Reading Station. There are frequent train services to London Paddington, with journey times of about 25-30 minutes. Hourly parking pricing starts at £2.50.
Is there official parking at Alexandra Palace?
Please note that there is no public parking available at Alexandra Palace, or in the surrounding walking area. There will also be some parking restrictions and road closures in the area.
There is some Blue Badge parking available on site but it is strictly limited. Please contact access@alexandrapalace.com to enquire.
Live in the area? Rent out your driveway for extra income
Even if you’re not attending the fireworks yourself, you can still benefit from the surge of crowds. It’s been proven that local residents who live nearby busy sports or music venues see their annual income increase by 57% by renting out their driveways to event goers, be it sports fans or music enthusiasts.
If you’re a homeowner in London and have a driveway with extra space, simply rent out your driveway to earn a side income and benefit those in need of car parking; it’s as easy as that. You can set your availability and pricing so you’re in full control of your space.
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