Let’s wrap up warm, fill a flask with hot chocolate and prepare for a spectacular night out. Some of the best fireworks displays and Bonfire Night events in Kent return this autumn, with everything from traditional torchlit processions to musical fireworks beside a castle. As a mum of two young children, I know that researching the right firework displays in Kent involves more than finding the biggest display. Start times, parking, toilets, food and how late the fireworks begin can make an enormous difference to a family evening out.
To make planning easier, I have gathered together the best confirmed Kent fireworks displays for 2026. You will find dates, locations, ticket prices and useful family information below.
Fireworks Displays In Kent 2026
Here is a quick comparison of Kent’s confirmed fireworks events. More displays are likely to be announced as Bonfire Night approaches, so bookmark this guide and check back for updates.
| Event | Location | Date | Fireworks Time | Advance Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrotham Fireworks | Wrotham Cricket Ground | Saturday 24 October | 7.15pm | Adults £8; children £5; family £22 |
| Brands Hatch Trucks & Fireworks | West Kingsdown | Sunday 1 November | After racing | Adults £30; ages 13–15 £20; under-13s free |
| Tonbridge Spooktacular Fireworks | Tonbridge Park | Sunday 1 November | 6.30 pm | Adults £11; children £7; under-5s free |
| Kent Cricket Fireworks Evening | Canterbury | Thursday 5 November | 5.00 pm | Check when booking |
| Kent Life Fireworks Spectacular | Maidstone | Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November | Fri 8.30pm; Sat 6.30pm | Adults £18; children £15; family £60 |
| Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular | Maidstone | Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November | 5.30 pm | Adults £25; children £20; |
| Dunorlan Park Fireworks | Tunbridge Wells | Saturday 7 November | 7pm | Adults £11; children £7; families from £24 |
| Edenbridge Bonfire | Edenbridge | Saturday 7 November | 8.30pm | Check current ticket options |
Wrotham Fireworks – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Wrotham Cricket Ground, TN15 7AH
When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Gates open: 5.30pm
Fireworks: 7.15pm
Event finishes: Approximately 9pm
Wrotham Fireworks is one of the earliest Bonfire Night events in Kent this year, making it a lovely way to kick off any fireworks traditions you might have. The display is produced by award-winning Phoenix Fireworks, and all proceeds from the event are donated to local causes.
The 7.15 pm display time is also relatively manageable for families with younger children. There should be enough time to find a viewing spot and buy something to eat without facing a particularly late night.
Advance tickets cost £8 for adults, £5 for children aged 4–15, £7 for over-65s or £22 for a family ticket covering two adults and three children. Prices are slightly higher at the gate, where payment is by card only.
Find out more about Wrotham Fireworks and book tickets
Brands Hatch Trucks And Fireworks – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Brands Hatch Circuit, West Kingsdown, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG
When: Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026
Fireworks: Sunday only, after the racing programme
Brands Hatch offers much more than an evening fireworks display. Its annual Trucks & Fireworks weekend combines British Truck Racing Championship action, support races, a show-truck display, entertainment and a paid funfair.
The fireworks take place on Sunday 1 November only, following the day’s racing. This could be a brilliant choice for children who love vehicles, although the long day, noise and later finish may be less suitable for very young visitors.
Sunday advance admission currently costs £30 for adults and £20 for teenagers aged 13–15. Children under 13 are admitted free, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Weekend tickets are also available.
This is a popular event, and Sunday regularly sells out, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
Book Brands Hatch Trucks & Fireworks tickets
Tonbridge Spooktacular Fireworks Display – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Racecourse Sports Ground, Tonbridge Park, Tonbridge
When: Sunday 1 November 2026
Gates open: 5 pm
Fireworks: 6.30 pm
Event finishes: Approximately 7 pm
Tonbridge’s annual display has a special Halloween theme for 2026. The show will combine fireworks, spooky effects and music in a performance choreographed by Phoenix Fireworks.
A 6.30 pm start and central location make this a lovely choice for families with younger children. Food and drink, licensed bars, music, toilets, first aid and an accessible viewing area will be available at this Kent fireworks display.
Advance tickets cost £11 for adults and £7 for children aged 5–15. Children under five can attend free when accompanied by a paying adult. You should be aware that there is no dedicated event parking, but public car parks are available in Tonbridge. Allow plenty of time to park and walk to one of the designated entrances.
Sparklers, drones and alcohol brought from outside are not permitted.
Book tickets for Tonbridge Fireworks
If your children enjoy the spooky side of the season, you might also like my guide to Halloween things to do in Kent.
Kent Cricket Fireworks Evening – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ
When: Thursday 5 November 2026
Opening and fireworks times: To be confirmed
Canterbury’s popular fireworks evening returns to the historic St Lawrence Ground on Bonfire Night itself.
As well as the main fireworks display, the organisers have announced live music and a food village, with further entertainment still to be confirmed.
This fireworks display in Kent completely sold out in 2025, and priority tickets for 2026 have already sold out. Only a limited allocation of early-bird tickets was initially released, so it is worth booking promptly if you would like to attend.
Final admission times, display times and full ticket information should be checked on the Kent Cricket website before travelling.
Book Kent Cricket Fireworks Evening tickets
Kent Life Fireworks Spectacular – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU
When: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026
Kent Life offers two fireworks evenings with noticeably different timings. On Friday, the gates open at 4 pm, last admission is at 7.30 pm, and the fireworks begin at 8.30 pm.
On Saturday, the gates open at 3 pm, last admission is at 5.30 pm, and the fireworks begin at 6.30 pm. The earlier Saturday performance is likely to be one of the better firework displays in Kent for families with younger children.
Tickets cost £18 for adults and £15 for children aged 2–15. Children under two are free, and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs £60. Kent Life members can receive a discount on equivalent tickets by entering their membership number when booking.
Food and warming drinks will be available, and Dotty’s Tea Room will remain open for anyone who fancies a hot chocolate after the display.
Pets should not be brought to this event. Be prepared for traffic-management measures and possible diversions when leaving.
Book Kent Life Fireworks Spectacular tickets
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026
Leeds Castle provides one of the most impressive settings for a fireworks display in Kent and is one of our personal favourites. The 2026 spectacular is themed around songs about time, with fireworks choreographed to music as projections and lasers transform the castle.
This is one of the largest displays in the South East and a particularly memorable option if you want the evening to feel like a special occasion. You should expect it to be busy, and allow plenty of time to arrive, park and walk to the viewing area. The display involves standing outside on grass, so warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are sensible.
Tickets are now available, with several ticket and hospitality options offered by the castle. Check the booking page carefully for the latest prices, admission arrangements and display times.
Book the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
While you are planning autumn adventures, take a look at my guide to the best places for pumpkin picking in Kent.
Dunorlan Park Fireworks – Firework Displays in Kent
Where: Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells
When: Saturday 7 November 2026
Event begins: 5.30pm
Fireworks: 7pm
Event finishes: Approximately 7.30pm
Dunorlan Park’s charity fireworks display will become a movie-themed pyromusical spectacular in 2026.
The 18-minute show will combine fireworks with familiar film music. Its position beside the lake creates beautiful reflections, with spectators watching from the hill opposite the firing area.
Food and drink vendors, a licensed bar, live music, Rock Choir, toilets, first aid and an accessible viewing area are expected. Sparklers and drones are not permitted.
Advance tickets for this firework display in Kent cost £11 for adults and £7 for children aged 5–15, while under-fives are free. Family tickets start at £24.
You should know that parking at the park is extremely limited. The organisers recommend walking or using nearby council parking where possible. Cars using the limited accessible spaces must arrive before 5.30 pm and cannot leave until pedestrians have cleared the park after the display.
Book Dunorlan Park Fireworks tickets
Edenbridge Bonfire And Fireworks Extravaganza
Where: Edenbridge town centre and recreation ground
When: Saturday 7 November 2026
Road closures: 6pm–10pm
Procession: 6.30pm
Fireworks: 8.30pm
For a more traditional fireworks display in Kent and Bonfire Night celebrations, Edenbridge is difficult to beat.
The evening begins with a torchlit procession through the town, featuring marching bands, illuminated floats, costumed groups and visiting bonfire societies. The procession eventually makes its way to the recreation ground for the bonfire and fireworks.
Edenbridge is famous for burning two enormous effigies: Guy Fawkes and a topical “Celebrity Guy”. Both stand approximately 11 metres tall.
This is a large, busy and atmospheric event rather than a short children’s display. The 8.30 pm fireworks, crowds, road closures and loud procession should all be considered before taking babies or very young children.
You’ll find that travelling by train may be easier than driving because of the extensive road closures. If you do drive, arrive well before the closures begin and follow the organisers’ official travel advice.
Find the latest information about Edenbridge Bonfire
Which Kent Fireworks Display Is Best For Young Children?
For younger children, I would look first at Tonbridge, Kent Life on Saturday or Wrotham.
Tonbridge begins its display at 6.30 pm and finishes relatively early. Kent Life’s Saturday fireworks also begin at 6.30 pm, while Wrotham starts at 7.15 pm.
Brands Hatch is a full-day motorsport event, while Edenbridge is a large traditional celebration with a later display and significant crowds. They may be better suited to older children who are comfortable with loud noises and late nights.
Every child is different, so consider the likely noise level, waiting time, walking distance and journey home as well as the fireworks themselves.
Tips For Attending Fireworks Displays With Children
Book In Advance
Popular events such as Leeds Castle, Brands Hatch and Kent Cricket can sell out. Advance tickets are often cheaper too.
Take Ear Defenders
Fireworks can feel much louder to young children. Properly fitted children’s ear defenders can make the experience much nicer for your little people (and you).
Wear Warm, Waterproof Clothes
Evenings in late October and November can be cold, wet and muddy. Dress in layers and take waterproof coats, hats, gloves and suitable footwear.
Arrive Early
Parking queues, ticket checks and walks from the car park can take longer than expected. Arriving early also gives you more choice over where to stand.
Agree On A Meeting Point
Busy events can become crowded quickly. Show older children where to go if you become separated, and consider putting a contact number inside younger children’s coats.
Check The Event Rules
Many organised displays prohibit sparklers, alcohol, glass, drones and pets. Check the organiser’s guidance before packing your bag.
Bring A Torch
A small torch or phone light is helpful when crossing dark or muddy ground after the fireworks. Try not to shine it towards the display or other spectators.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks In Kent
When Is Bonfire Night In 2026?
Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026. However, many of Kent’s largest displays take place during the weekends before and after this date.
Are There Any Free Fireworks Displays In Kent?
Most of the major organised Bonfire Night displays in this guide require tickets. Smaller community displays and seasonal seafront fireworks may be announced separately, so check local council and community pages nearer the time.
Do I Need To Book Fireworks Tickets In Advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Several of Kent’s biggest displays sell out, and some organisers do not guarantee tickets will be available at the gate.
Can I Take Sparklers To An Organised Display?
Many venues do not allow spectators to bring sparklers. Tonbridge and Dunorlan Park specifically prohibit them. Always check the individual event rules.
Are Dogs Allowed At Fireworks Displays?
Pets are normally discouraged or prohibited because of the noise and crowds. Kent Life specifically asks visitors not to bring pets. Assistance-dog arrangements should be checked directly with the venue.
What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?
Fireworks displays often continue in rain, but high winds or severe weather may lead to changes or cancellation. Check the organiser’s website and social-media channels on the day.
Enjoying Bonfire Night In Kent
From the traditional torchlit procession in Edenbridge to musical fireworks over Leeds Castle, Kent has some fantastic ways to celebrate Bonfire Night in 2026.
For families with younger children, an early display such as Tonbridge or Kent Life on Saturday may be the easiest option. Older children might love combining truck racing with fireworks at Brands Hatch, while Leeds Castle offers a spectacular setting for a special family evening.
Whichever display you choose, book early, dress warmly and check the organiser’s latest information before leaving home.
Have I missed a brilliant Kent fireworks display? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to the guide.