Diwali fireworks in October
The five day Hindu festival of light is celebrated with fireworks, firecrackers and parties. This year Diwali starts on October 28. A free Diwali celebration will be held in Trafalgar Square (nearest Underground Charing Cross) on October 19 to share the fun of the festival.
The huge Neasden Temple, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is the largest outside India. It holds an annual firework display as part of its Diwali celebrations; all are welcome. This year it's on October 28, from 8.45 pm, on Gibbons Recreation Ground just behind the temple. Nearest Underground is Neasden.
The London Eye View
If you don't want to stay outdoors all evening, the London Eye, located on the South Bank near Waterloo Station, will show you fireworks all over London on Bonfire Night. The slowly-rotating wheel is 135 metres high. A 30-minute "flight" starts from £15.50 for adults, £7.75 for children 5-15, under-5s free.
November 1
Battersea Park, near Battersea railway station, has a bonfire and a renowned firework display every year. Family entertainment and food stalls add to the attraction of a great display, and the reflections of the fireworks in the River Thames make unforgettable viewing. The bonfire is lit at 7.30 pm and fireworks start at 8 pm. The theme is 'Paint The Whole World With A Rainbow'. Admission free, donations to local charities suggested at the event.
November 5
One of London's most unusual bonfire parties is the Class War annual bonfire party. This year you can burn a politician in effigy on a bonfire made of discarded estate agent's sale boards. The festivities start in Hackney's London Fields at 7pm, and are dedicated to the notion that 'an idea can still change the world'. Nearest railway station is London Fields.
November 8
The main event is the Lord Mayor's Show, which starts with a spectacular and historic parade through the City of London and culminates in a banquet for the elite and a fantastic free firework display on the River Thames, between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges/ Underground stations.
Clapham Common, near Clapham Common Underground station, starts its celebrated annual firework display at 7.25 pm. Admission free, donation suggested. Around 40,000 people attended in 2007. Lambeth Council also hosts displays at Brockwell Park and Streatham Common on the same evening, for those who want a smaller, quieter event.
Alexandra Palace (nearest Underground Wood Green) has fireworks at 7.30 pm, plus fairground rides and food and drink stalls. You'll see many other firework displays from here, since you're high on a hill overlooking the whole of London. Admission free, donation of £2 per adult and £1 per child suggested. Call +44 20 8365 2121 for more information.
For events outside London check out train times and plan your trip online. Be sure to check with the venue's website before confirming your trip, as plans and timings can change.
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