Bonfire Night

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Remember, remember the fifth of November! 

On Sunday 5 November, Plymouth Hoe will be lit up with a spectacular Bonfire and Fireworks display, with thanks to sponsors Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.

Make your way to the stunning backdrop of Smeaton's Tower lighthouse, where the bonfire awaits. You will also spot Guy Fawkes sitting on top of the bonfire, created by the amazing team at Plymouth Play Scrapstore! Bask in the heat from the grand lighting of the bonfire from 7.30pm. 

At 8pm, the sky will burst into a dazzling display of fireworks. Watch in awe as rockets, fountains, and firecrackers paint the Plymouth sky from the Royal Citadel.

The excitement starts early, from 4pm onwards, with the Plymouth Hoe promenade transformed into a playground of fun. Thrilling rides for all ages will be in full swing, and there's even a special children's fairground for our youngest adventurers. Don't miss the wide variety of food and drink offerings around the site, open from 5pm.

It’s a truly family-friendly event, so wrap up warm, bask in the heat of the giant bonfire and enjoy the show.

Head to: Food and Drink | Travel | Road Closures | Access information | Safety & Environment | Top Tips

 

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

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, will be operating Sunday services.

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 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

• Madeira Road – 6pm to 9pm
• Hoe Road – 6pm to 9pm
• Citadel Road – 4pm to 9pm
• Windsor Place – 4pm to 9pm
• Nott Street – 8pm to 9pm
• Princess Street (from Lockyer street Princess Ope) – 8pm to 9pm
• Osbourne Place to Esplanade – 7am to 9am

Prohibited Parking

• Hoe Road from Citadel Mound to Madeira Road – 8am to 9pm
• Madeira Road – 6pm to 9pm
• Citadel Road – 7am to 9pm
• Armada Loop and Windsor Place – 4pm to 9pm
• Osbourne Place to Esplanade – 7am to 9pm
• Nott Street – 8pm to 9pm
• Princess Street (from Lockyer street Princess Ope) – 8pm to 9pm

 

Access information

Chill out zone

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 8pm 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.

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 new 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 extended parking area will be available on the Hoe promenade for blue badge holders, but spaces will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Access will be via Elliott Street entrance to the Hoe promenade from 5.30pm.

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.

Download the Access Information as a document for easy viewing and to save for easy reference.

 

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