22 Bonfire Night ideas & activities to make this year’s events sparkle

Fizzing sparklers, roaring bonfires, crisp autumn air and brilliant fireworks displays… Yep, it has to be the 5th of November (remember, remember?) – or at least it will be before we know it. For event creators, seasonal dates like this one roll around speedily every year (if you’re reading this, you no doubt relate). So now’s the time to get the planning wheels in motion – lest your Bonfire Night event be anything less than a competition-slaying kind of spectacular. 

Below, we’ve listed out a whole host of ideas and add-ons to make your Bonfire Night happenings stand out from the crowd. Let’s get stuck straight in ✨👇.

Bonfire night party ideas for adults

1. Fireworks cruise – take your Bonfire Night event riverside this year (or canalside, or lakeside) with a cruise like no other. Serve glasses of fizz and canapes to guests as they watch your epic fireworks display reflect across the water. 
2. Boozy hot chocolate station – any and all Bonfire Night events could benefit from this one. Hot chocolate laced with baileys or brandy for the grown-ups – yes please.
3. Fire pits – in lieu of an actual bonfire (or as well as, to be fair), fire pits can be a great way to add extra atmosphere to your Bonfire Night events. Provide blankets and comfy seating so attendees can gather round to enjoy themed cocktails in the flickering light.
4. Bonfire night bangers – don’t just put on a fireworks display. Put on a fireworks display to an epic soundtrack with a playlist of themed tunes. Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ on repeat, anyone? 
5. Epic outdoor lighting display – fireworks up high, strobe lighting down low; give your Bonfire Night event an ultra-cool edge with a brilliant lighting display against a woodland backdrop.
6. Guy Fawkes pub quiz – who doesn’t love a pub quiz? Once the fireworks are over, gather the grown-ups for pints and points with a Guy Fawkes-themed quiz to test their Bonfire Night knowledge. 
7. Bonfire night whiskey tasting – who said Bonfire Night had to be about mulled drinks and hot dogs? Give your event a sophisticated twist with an ultra-grown-up whiskey tasting element. This one is sure to lift the spirits and warm the cockles! 
8. Guy Fawkes fancy dress – funny hats, twirly moustaches and goatee beards. That’s what we’d call a seriously golden fancy dress opportunity. 

Bonfire night ideas for kids

1. Funfair and fireworks – carnival games, rides, fireworks and food; sounds like the perfect kids’ afternoon out to us.
2. Makin’ s’mores – kids love toasting marshmallows over an open flame – fact. Set up a s’mores station at your event to get the little ones in the spirit of things (supervised by an adult, of course). 
3. Scavenger hunt – nothing keeps kids entertained quite like a treasure hunt. Make this one Bonfire Night-appropriate by using glow sticks as treasure-trail markers. Prizes could include toffee apples and other Bonfire Night sweet treats.
4. Gunpowder plot outdoor theatre performance – educative and fun – win-win! Make your outdoor theatre performance immersive to give the little ones an added thrill. 
5. Sparkler calligraphy competition – all Bonfire Nights must have sparklers (for kids and adults alike). But why not take things one step further with a fun ‘sparkler calligraphy lesson’ for the little ones. Teach them how to write their names in the air and put some prizes up for grabs for the best effort.
6. Bonfire garden games area – from ‘hot potato’ to charades and giant jenga, keep the young'uns happy with their very own Bonfire Night games area.
7. Open-air cinema ‘n’ fireworks – combine Bonfire Night with movie night by screening a classic family film outdoors, followed by the usual fireworks. 

Bonfire night food ideas

Bonfire night is as much about the food as the fireworks, right? We certainly think so. Here’s all the traditional Bonfire Night food inspo you need 👇.

1. Cider onion hotdogs – sticky onions cooked in cider meet tasty sausages wrapped in a fluffy white bread rolls.  
2. Toffee apples – the classic glistening sweet treat; crisp apples smothered in toffee then left to cool for the ultimate crunch.
3. Parkin – unctuous, treacle-y ginger cake – this is one Bonfire Night tradition you won’t want to miss out on. 
4. S’mores – toasted marshmallows sandwiched between sweet, crumbly biscuits. The clue’s in the name… ‘can I have s’more, please?’
5. Chilli con carne – a steaming bowl of classic chilli con carne with spiced potato wedges to dunk in.
6. Bonfire night potatoes – jacket potatoes (wrapped in foil and cooked on an open fire if possible!) loaded with delicious toppings.
7. Bonfire toffee – dark, brittle toffee that tastes of black treacle; it’s not for everyone, but if you love it, you really love it. 
8. Spiced pumpkin soup – autumnal vibes all round with a bowl of pumpkin soup, spiced with cumin and chilli for an extra warming kick. 

Your Bonfire Night event ticketing – sorted

For newbies to our blog (hi! 👋) you might be interested to know that Ticket Tailor can help you ace your Bonfire Night events with affordable, stress-free ticketing. Our platform is super easy to use and packed with tons of cool ticketing features that help you make the most out of your event without wasting time on admin tasks. Plus, we’re one of the cheapest ticketing platforms out there, thanks to the fact we’re fully independent 😌. To find out more, hit the link below:

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PS. You might find this article useful: Top ticking tips to sell out your Bonfire Night events >