There’s something very special about watching a Bonfire Night firework display with friends and family. Wrapping up warm against the chilly night air, the glow of the bonfire, and hearty comforting foods like hot dogs and baked potatoes, toffee apples and S’mores. The ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as fireworks light up the sky, the happy chatter, rosy cheeks and smiling faces.
If you’re down in the West Country in early November, for a multi-generational family stay or days away with friends, be a part of this traditional autumn festival, celebrated every year since 1605 to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot (until 1959 it was illegal not to do so!). Choose from our round up of the best 2026 firework displays near our Devon and Somerset properties.
Devon
Galactic Skies Charity Firework & Drone Spectacular, Exeter
When: Saturday 7th November
Where: Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary
Gates Open: 5:00pm
See the South West’s largest and most spectacular pyro-musical display; 300 drones take to the night skies painting moving images accompanied by a choreographed firework display and a galactic soundtrack. This year the UK Garrison of the 501st Legion (Stormtroopers) will march through the crowd, so get your cameras ready for that Insta shot. With funfair rides, street food and bars, the atmosphere will be buzzing.
The Big Sheep Firework Spectacular, Bideford
When: Thursday 5th November
Where: The Big Sheep, Abbotsham
Gates Open: 4:30pm
This family-oriented event has a gentle firework display for tots at 6:00pm, and the main display at 7:30pm. The air is alive with happy chatter and the crackles and glows from the huge bonfire; there are indoor fire shows, a disco, glow stands, a bar, and hot food stalls. Ticket options include picnic tables and VIP pods.
Stuart Line Firework Cruises, Exmouth
When: Fri 6th & Sat 7th November
Where: Exmouth Marina
Time: Fri 7:00pm/Sat 18.15pm
See local firework displays from the calm waters of the River Exe onboard a custom-built passenger boat - a different perspective, uninterrupted views, mesmerising reflections. Wrap up warm and watch from the open top deck, or there’s a weatherproof and heated lower deck with huge windows. The vibe is festive, with a bar, hot drinks, and pasties by pre-order.
Watch the Exmouth RNLI Fireworks from the estuary on 6th Nov, or catch Topsham’s fireworks further downriver on 7th.
South Molton Fireworks Festival
When: Saturday 7th Nov
Where: South Molton Pannier Market
Gates Open: 5:00pm
This popular firework display is held in the town centre, on the Drovers Yard/Central Square of South Molton Pannier Market. Indoor and outdoor markets are open for the night, and food trucks will be set up in the adjacent Lorry Park. There’s an inflatable zone for kids, live music, and a live fire show, culminating in a professionally choreographed firework display.
Exmouth RLNI Fireworks
When: Friday 6th November
Where: Exmouth Rugby Football Club
Gates Open: 5pm-10pm
Bonfire night in Exmouth brings a brilliant carnival atmosphere to the town, with a fairground, light and sound display, hot food and drink, and an impressive firework display.
Somerset
Crewkerne Rotary Bonfire and Fireworks Display
When: Friday 6 November
Where: Sation Road, Crewkerne
Gates Open: 6:30-8:30pm
This much-loved annual event is held in the field behind the old Stagecoach Inn – walkable from Kingshay Barton and Princehay Barton. Go along early and get in the spirit of things with hot dogs or burgers, get candy floss, glow ropes and sparklers for the kids.
Bath Racecourse Fireworks, Bath
When: Friday 6 November
Where: Bath Racecourse
Gates Open: 5pm-9pm
This is a huge family friendly event with a fun fair, face painting, fire juggling, street food and a bar. Hot air balloons will be drifting above the course before the dazzling firework display starts at 7:30pm. The Racecourse has free parking but there are also frequent buses from Bath city centre.
Fireworks at Sea, Weston-Super-Mare
When: Saturday 14 November
Where: The Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare
Open: 6.30pm
This is a family focussed event with prime viewing as fireworks are launched over the bay. Ticket prices include unlimited access to indoor rides and attractions, with upgrades to include food from the Boardwalk Café or Tiffany’s Restaurant at the end of the Pier.
Taunton Racecourse Fireworks Night: Illuminate the Night
When: Friday 30 October
Where: Taunton Racecourse, Taunton
Gates Open: 5:30pm
The highlight of this exciting family friendly event, run in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice, is a professional firework display set to music. The atmos is warm and happy, with a bar, food and drink, and free parking.
Oake Manor Annual Firework Display, Taunton
When: Saturday, 7th November
Where: Oake Manor Golf Club, Oake
Gates Open: 5pm
This is a popular event held to raise funds for the local school. You can fill your bellies while you’re here as there’s a hog roast, burgers, hot dogs and chips, then you can dance it off at the free disco after the fireworks. If the weather isn’t great you might find viewing space in the undercover area.
And if you’re staying at Cowslip Manor, neighbouring Puxton Park has a Twilight Twinkle Firework Show on 1st November, family friendly and low noise.
Tips
- Some displays require advance booking – check before you travel
- It’s always wise to check parking arrangements before you leave for the display
- Allow plenty of time before the fireworks start to get in a prime viewing spot
- Wrap up warm – it’s November and the nights can be chilly
- Dogs aren’t allowed at firework displays
Love the whizz, bang, pops and the warm ambience of firework night. Another happy memory of your large group holiday in the South West.