Discover firework displays and Bonfire Night events across Dorset for 2026, from free waterfront celebrations in Poole, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis to large family events at Littledown and Broadstone. This guide brings together confirmed dates, display times, ticket information and quieter alternatives without traditional fireworks. Find events across Bournemouth, Poole, West Dorset and rural Dorset, with links to our detailed local guides to help you plan your evening.
22nd September 2026
Bonfire Night in Dorset brings together huge organised displays, beach bonfires, community celebrations and fireworks reflected across some of the county’s best-known harbours.
Confirmed events for 2026 range from the free Poole Quay and Weymouth Bay displays to three separate shows at Littledown and a quieter laser-based alternative at Shelley Park.
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Gates: 5pm
Fireworks: 7.30pm
Location: Broadstone Middle School, Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AE
Admission: Ticketed
Broadstone starts Dorset’s Bonfire Night season with a choreographed firework display set to music.
The community event also includes live music, dancers, a fire performer, food stalls, bars and family attractions. Children can enjoy a merry-go-round, bungee trampoline and bouncy castles before the main display.
The event is organised by the PTA of Broadstone Middle School in partnership with Broadstone First School, with proceeds supporting local educational projects and activities.
On-site parking is restricted to disabled visitors. Organisers encourage people to walk or share their journey where possible.
Images: Unsplash
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Event begins: 4pm
Guy competition: 6pm
Fireworks: 8pm
Location: East Beach, West Bay
Admission: Free
Bonfire by the Beach brings live music, hot food, family entertainment and fireworks to West Bay’s dramatic Jurassic Coast setting.
The event begins at 4pm before the Guy competition at 6pm. The winning Guy is used to light the beach bonfire, with the firework display following at 8pm.
Entry is free, although donations and event proceeds help fund the Christmas tree on Harbour Green and support local charities and community organisations.
Visitors should check the organiser’s website before travelling because exposed coastal events can be particularly vulnerable to poor weather and strong winds.
Check the latest West Bay Bonfire details
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Entertainment: From 5pm
Fireworks: 8pm
Location: Poole Quay
Admission: Free
Poole Quay offers one of Dorset’s most atmospheric Bonfire Night settings, with fireworks launched over the harbour and reflected across the water.
Live music, family entertainment and activities begin at 5pm before the display starts at 8pm. Visitors do not need to book, but arriving early is recommended because the waterfront becomes extremely busy.
Organisers recommend parking at The Dolphin or Harbourside Park rather than relying on the car parks closest to the Quay.
A special Poole Fireworks Cruise also departs at 7pm, giving passengers the opportunity to watch the display from the harbour.
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Location: Weymouth seafront
Admission: Free
Detailed programme: To be announced
Weymouth Town Council has confirmed that its traditional Bonfire Night display will return on Thursday 5 November.
The 2026 celebration is also expected to feature a pilot drone display, adding something new to the event’s familiar seafront setting.
Previous Weymouth Bonfire Night programmes have included stalls and entertainment along the promenade, a beach bonfire and fireworks over the bay at approximately 8pm. The complete 2026 timings have not yet been released, so these previous arrangements should only be treated as a guide.
Check the council’s official page closer to the event for the final programme, display time and any weather-related updates.
Dates: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: Shelley Park, Boscombe Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, BH5 1LN
Admission: Ticketed
Traditional fireworks: None
The Big Glow Show is a new alternative for people who want to enjoy Bonfire Night weekend without traditional fireworks or loud explosions.
Three choreographed laser shows will be accompanied by different musical soundtracks, while the wider programme includes fire performers, circus acts, hula-hoop artists and live singers.
There will also be hot food, a licensed bar and a small fairground. Although the event avoids conventional fireworks, visitors should expect bright lasers, flashing lights and fire effects.
Discover more about The Big Glow Show
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Fireworks: 6.30pm
Location: Marine Parade and the Cobb, Lyme Regis
Admission: Free, with donations encouraged
Lyme Regis provides another impressive coastal backdrop, with fireworks illuminating the harbour and the historic Cobb.
The seafront, Langmoor Gardens and Lister Gardens provide popular viewing areas. The display is organised by Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival, with official collectors accepting donations to help fund future events and support local good causes.
The display begins earlier than many Dorset events, making it a particularly useful option for families with younger children.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Event time: 5pm-10pm
Fireworks: 7pm, 8pm and 9pm
Location: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX
Admission: Ticketed
Littledown hosts three separate displays during one of Dorset’s biggest organised Bonfire Night events.
The first show begins at 7pm, followed by displays at 8pm and 9pm. The final White Knuckle display traditionally delivers the loudest and most dramatic experience of the evening.
Visitors can also expect live music from Bon Jovi tribute band Born Jovi, fire performers, a large funfair, food stalls, family activities and an indoor entertainment area.
Advance booking provides fast-track entry. Tickets may also be available at the gate, but payment there is cash only. Children must be accompanied by an adult and pets are not permitted.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
Gates: 6pm
Fireworks: 7.30pm
Location: Milborne St Andrew Sports Club, Milborne St Andrew, DT11 0JA
Admission: Check with the organiser
Milborne St Andrew offers a smaller community alternative to Dorset’s major seafront and town-centre displays.
The family fireworks night takes place at the village sports club, with gates opening at 6pm before the display begins at 7.30pm. The event raises money for the local community.
Check the organiser’s latest information for ticket prices, food and drink arrangements and any changes to the programme before travelling.
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