10 magical Bonfire Night and fireworks displays in Cornwall
Explosions of colour flash against a midnight sky as waves crash onto the beach. Stars twinkle as flames leap and logs crackle while begloved hands clutch warming hot chocolates. Bonfire smoke mingles with mouth-watering wafts of hog roast, to be washed down with locally made Cornish cider. This is Bonfire Night, Cornwall style.
It’s time to wrap up warm, head out into the night and prepare to ooh and aah! Here, we’ve rounded up the 10 most magical family-friendly Bonfire Nights and firework displays in Cornwall this year.
1. Fireworks on Porthminster Beach, St Ives
Covered with sun worshippers and children building sandcastles come summer, on Friday 5 November Porthminster Beach turns into an atmospheric beach-with-bonfire party. St Ives Town Football Club’s annual fundraiser celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot with a bonfire from 5.30pm, fireworks and barbeque. No tickets needed, but please donate on the night.
2. Lappa Valley Grand Fireworks Displays, Newquay
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Lappa Valley makes a whole weekend of it on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October! Arrive by nostalgic steam train and take in the beauty of the 18th-century engine house before letting the kids have a play and something to eat before the fireworks kick off at 7.30pm. Glow sticks, glasses and headbands are available too for the little (and fully grown) ones to play with.
3. Fireworks at Fistral, Newquay
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If you’ve come to Cornwall to make the most of the beach, head to Fistral Beach Bar on Sunday 5 November for one of Newquay’s stunning annual fireworks events. Get there early to claim the best spot in the house with a beautiful view and a pint or two at the Beach Bar, alongside plenty of options for winter comfort food and warming drinks. The fireworks display starts at 6.15pm.
4. Bonfire Night 2023, Truro
Truro’s extravaganza for 2023 starts at 5pm sharp on Friday 3 November at Tremorvah Playing Field. Get there early to avoid the crowds and to be in prime position for the lighting of the Bonfire at 6.30pm! The fireworks begin at 6.45-7pm. All funds raised will be going to local Cornish charities.
5. Heartlands Bonfire and Fireworks Night, Redruth
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Heartlands in Pool will be hosting its fiery annual bonfire night celebration on Sunday 5 November with local musicians, street food, and activities and entertainment for all the family. The fun-filled event starts nice and early at 2pm so you can fit everything in, and admission is free (although parking charges may apply).
6. Newquay Firework Display, Newquay
Last year’s event saw more than 5,000 attendees at NQY Sports Centre’s annual fireworks display. Held on Saturday 4 November this year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. There will be a daytime beer festival, a huge cinema screen, an inflatable fun fair for the kids and plenty of places to buy food and drink. For those without children, there’s a DJ and after party too.
7. Drifty Bonfire Night, St Agnes
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This legendary annual event at the Driftwood Spars Hotel is back in Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, on Sunday 5 November. The evening includes a bonfire and live music as well as fireworks. It’s free to enter and there will be children’s entertainment, food stalls, toffee apples, mulled wine and cider.
8. Seaview Farm Shop Fireworks and Evening out, St Teath
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If you fancy a wood-fired pizza or barbecue with a seaview served up with your bonfire and fireworks, head to the Seaview Farm Shop on Sunday 5 November. Doors open at 6pm, with fireworks at 7pm. Join in with an informal ‘shout’ by local sea shanty singers The Cobweb Crew – all are welcome to sing along!
9. Plume of Feathers Bonfire Night, Mitchell, Newquay
Feel the warmth of the bonfire on your face as you sip mulled cider and feast on perfectly cooked pulled pork rolls at the Plume of Feathers’ welcoming shindig on Sunday 5 November. The bonfire is lit at 6.30pm, while a traditional fireworks display kicks off at 7.30pm. The outdoor bar will be open, serving drinks and snacks.
10. Bodmin Fireworks, Bodmin
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Bodmin bonfire night on Sunday 5 November boasts big fires, grand fireworks and lasers! A fair will keep kids entertained while food and drink stalls will keep you all merry. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children in advance (you can pick them up at Morrisons, Bodmin Football Club and Bricknells in Wadebridge) or £6 and £4 on the gate.
Ready to spend Bonfire Night in Cornwall? Grab your hat, scarf and boots and check out our beautiful Cornish holiday cottages.