Bonfire Night

Opening Times

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Remember, remember the fifth of November!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and fireworks as Plymouth Hoe comes alive on Tuesday 5 November, for Bonfire Night! Thanks to sponsors, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, this year's celebration promises to be more spectacular than ever.

Make your way to the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse for the best views of the bonfire, which will be lit at 7pm. Feel the warmth of the roaring flames as you gather around with friends and family.

Then, at 7.30pm, prepare to be wowed! The skies will explode with a stunning fireworks display launched from the historic Royal Citadel. Expect an incredible show of rockets, fountains, and crackling firecrackers lighting up the night.

But the fun doesn’t start there! From 4pm, Plymouth Hoe will be transformed into a buzzing hub of entertainment. With thrilling rides for all ages and a special children's fairground, there's something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss out on the food and drink stalls opening from 5pm to keep you fuelled throughout the night.

It’s the perfect event for the whole family—so wrap up warm, soak in the excitement, and enjoy an evening to remember!

Timeline

4pm – Fairground open

5pm – Catering open

7pm – Bonfire Lit

7.30pm – Fireworks Display

10pm – Event close

Food and Drink

Make a full evening out of it, and enjoy some delicious waterfront dining. There's a huge range of eateries to enjoy, from the Barbican & Sutton Harbour to Plymouth Hoe, Milbay to Royal William Yard. No matter what your mood or appetite, you will find a perfect place to dine and relax.

Or you can enjoy the wide array of delicious offerings on Plymouth Hoe at Bonfire Night from 5pm. Sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate to keep warm, savour the classic taste of traditional fish and chips, or treat yourself to an assortment of sweet delights in the many stalls there.

Travel Information

It’s important to plan your travel in advance as Plymouth Hoe and the surrounding areas will be very busy that evening, along with road closures in place.

Please note that public transport such as Great Western Railway, Plymouth Citybus and Park & Ride, who will be operating their normal service.

Please be aware that on Tuesday 5 November, Plymouth Argyle Football Club will be playing at Central Park at 8pm, so the Milehouse Park & Ride is expected to be very busy and the car park is likely to be full by the early afternoon. The Park and Ride service from Royal Parade will still be operating at the times listed below, but the Milehouse car park will be on a first-come, first-served and will be very busy.

We recommend parking in one of the city centre car parks such as Western Approach or Theatre Royal car parks, as parking will be very limited around Plymouth Hoe due to the road closures around the event.

Disabled parking

Disabled parking will be available on the Hoe for those displaying a blue badge. This can be accessed via the Elliot Street entrance from 5.30pm, and will end at 11pm.

Road closures

Hoe Road from the Mound at the Citadel to the Junction of Madeira Road, 5pm to 9pm

Madeira Road from the junction of Elphinstone to the junction of Hoe Road, 5pm to 9pm

Citadel Road from the junction of Hoe Approach to the junction of Lockyer Street, 5pm to 9pm

Armada way loop (Crowne Plaza), 5pm to 9pm

Windsor Place for its entirety, 5pm to 9pm

Osbourne Place to the junction of the Esplanade, 7am to 9pm

Notte Street from The Crescent to Hoe approach, 7.30pm to 8.30pm

The Crescent from Millbay Road to Notte Street 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Princess Street from the junction of Lockyer Street to the junction of Princess Ope Inc. access from Armada Way, 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Access information

If you have any questions relating to access please contact the dedicated access email address: Eventaccess@plymouth.gov.uk

Busy times

The busiest time of the event will be from 7pm to 8pm, during the Bonfire and Fireworks display.

Chill out area

Take some time out in the Sensory Garden (beside Osbourne Place entrance) on Plymouth Hoe where you can soak up the atmosphere of Bonfire Night, while relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. You will also find some less busy spaces along the lower grassy areas of the Hoe.

Sensory needs

Be prepared for loud noise, lots of flashing lights* and fireworks from 7.30pm from the Royal Citadel. Make sure you prepare yourself for the busy loud and bright atmosphere, some people take ear defenders with them… it’s up to you! Sunglasses are also helpful for bright lights, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright.

There is a designated sensory garden (see above). Please speak to one of our stewards that will be in hi-vis if you need any help, there are multiple bars and also a water point around the events site as well.

*Strobe lighting is not used, but there will be lots of flashes produced by the Fireworks.

Ground Condition

The Hoe promenade is flat and tarmac, however the area around the bonfire is grass and on a slight decline.

Safe Spaces

There are a number of registered safe spaces near Plymouth Hoe: A Safe Place offers help if someone is anxious, scared or at risk while they are out and about and need support. You can visit the safe spaces website for more information: Search Safe Places you can also speak with our steward and events team who will be identifiable by their hi-vis and lanyards.

Information Points

There will be stewards across the event on Plymouth Hoe, who will always be happy to help. Stewards will be wearing yellow high viz tabards and, so please ask them if you have any questions.

Accessible Toilets

There are accessible toilets at both ends of the Hoe (by the Blue Badge Parking and in the toilet block). The Hoe’s permanent public toilets include six unisex toilets, with one additional accessible toilet and large, accessible changing room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities.

Blue Badge Parking

An area for Blue Badge Holders will be available on the west end of the Promenade with access via Elliot Street.

This area will open at 4pm and close at 10.30pm.

Additional disabled toilets are located adjacent to disabled parking and in the main portable toilet area.

The number 25 bus will continue to run through the road closures throughout the day until 4pm.

Normal uses of blue badge parking on yellow lines with no waiting restrictions apply.

Accessible Viewing Area

An accessible area for viewing will be located on top of the Belvedere for those wishing to stay away from the main crowds and will be accessed via the Hoe Promenade This will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Safety & Environment

To ensure a safe and environmentally responsible Bonfire Night, we encourage everyone to join organised displays like ours on Plymouth Hoe, as home fires and firework displays can pose significant risks. Additionally, it's crucial to remember that bonfires can harm local wildlife.

As part of our commitment to reducing single-use plastics in Plymouth, we're implementing a series of measures for the competition:

Reducing the use of plastics in the firework displays

Reducing the use of plastic cutlery from catering stands, with drinks from the bars served in recyclable plastic cups

Providing public recycling bins along the Hoe promenade, and kindly requesting visitors to use them for recycling. In case the bins are full, we urge you to take your litter with you.

Our top tips to make the most of it!

Check the forecast and certainly wrap up in your warm clothes as Bonfire Night will be a chilly one!

Plan your journey in advance. The roads will be busy, so take public transport, walk or cycle if you can and check out our full travel information.

Due to the volume of people attending, your mobile signal may be unreliable so agree on a meeting point for friends or family in case you get separated.

If you’re planning to eat at one of our many brilliant restaurants, cafes or bars beforehand we’d recommend booking a table in advance.

Tag us in your photos on Instagram (@visitplymouth) so that we can share all your amazing photos

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