Fireworks light up the night sky over Gateshead in a photograph taken in January 2016. Organised displays are taking place across Newcastle and the North East for Bonfire Night 2026. Photo: Ardfern / Wikimedia Commons
With Bonfire Night approaching, families across Newcastle Great Park and the wider North East have plenty of opportunities to enjoy organised fireworks displays. From Gosforth and Benton to Whitley Bay, Gateshead and Northumberland, here's your guide to the events taking place between 30 October and 7 November 2026.
The skies above Newcastle and the North East will soon be filled with colourful fireworks as communities celebrate Bonfire Night 2026.
Although the traditional date falls on Thursday 5 November, dozens of organised displays are taking place across the region, with many scheduled for the weekends before and after.
For families living in Newcastle Great Park, several popular events are taking place within easy reach, including Gosforth Fireworks Extravaganza, Blue Flames in Benton and the Firework and Funfair Racenight at Newcastle Racecourse.
Other options include free displays in Wallsend, Whitley Bay, South Shields, Blyth and Hexham.
Whether you're looking for a large professional fireworks display, a family-friendly evening with fairground rides or a free community celebration, there's plenty to choose from.
Fireworks displays closest to Newcastle Great Park
Several of the region's biggest events are happening close to Great Park.
Gosforth Fireworks Extravaganza – Saturday 7 November
Organised by Newcastle Round Table, the popular display returns to Broadway West Playing Fields in Gosforth, with gates opening at 5pm and fireworks expected around 7pm.
The event marks the organisation's 50th year and includes entertainment, food stalls and fairground attractions.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as there will be no sales at the gates.
Blue Flames, Benton – Thursday 5 November
One of the closest major displays to Great Park takes place at Blue Flames Sporting Club in Benton.
Gates open at 5.30pm, with fireworks beginning at 7.30pm.
Visitors can also enjoy fairground rides, food vendors and indoor bars.
Tickets must be purchased online, and there is no on-site parking.
Newcastle Racecourse – Friday 6 November
Newcastle Racecourse is hosting its annual Firework and Funfair Racenight, combining racing, family entertainment, fairground attractions and a fireworks and laser finale.
The display is scheduled to begin approximately 45 minutes to an hour after the final race.
South Northumberland Cricket Club, Gosforth – Saturday 7 November
The cricket club on Roseworth Terrace is also holding its annual fireworks event.
It is another convenient option for residents travelling from Great Park, with further ticketing information available through the club.
Fireworks at the Fort, Wallsend – Thursday 5 November
For families looking for a free event, Segedunum Roman Fort is hosting its annual fireworks display.
The outdoor site opens at 5pm, with fireworks from 6.30pm.
There is no admission charge, although a £2 donation per adult is suggested.
The organisers have confirmed that dogs cannot attend and that there will be no on-site parking.
Full list of North East Bonfire Night events
Friday 30 October
Firework Spooktacular – Barnes Park, Sunderland
The popular Sunderland event returns with two fireworks displays, giving families a choice of viewing times.
A 6pm display is aimed particularly at younger families, followed by a second display at 8pm.
Entertainment includes funfair rides, street food vendors and appearances inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Tickets are advertised at £6 for children and £8 for adults.
Saturday 31 October – Halloween
Kynren Pyromusical – Bishop Auckland
Kynren's spectacular Pyromusical returns on Halloween night, with 25 minutes of fireworks choreographed to music.
Gates open at 4.30pm, and the display begins at 7pm.
Visitors can also enjoy seasonal entertainment, warming food and drinks, and additional Halloween touches.
Tourism listings currently advertise tickets from £15 for under-18s and £18 for adults, although prices may vary.
Blyth Fireworks – Northumberland
Blyth's Halloween celebrations conclude with a free fireworks display at the Mermaid Car Park.
The display begins at 7.30pm.
Entry is free, making it an appealing option for families seeking an organised display without admission costs.
Sunday 1 November
North Tyneside Fireworks – The Links, Whitley Bay
One of the region's most popular free displays returns to the seafront at Whitley Bay.
Fairground rides and refreshments are available from 6pm, with fireworks beginning at 7pm.
The display lasts approximately 15 minutes, with the North Sea providing a dramatic backdrop.
Entry is free, and no ticket is required.
Seaham Fireworks – Harbour Marina
Seaham's annual free fireworks celebration returns with an Angels versus Demons theme.
Entertainment begins at 5pm, featuring food stalls, craft stalls, children's rides and live stage performances.
The fireworks display starts at 6.30pm.
Admission is free.
Rothbury Village Fireworks – Rothbury Golf Club
Rothbury's community fireworks event takes place at the local golf club.
The display is scheduled for 6.30pm.
Visitors should check with the organisers for any additional arrangements or admission requirements.
Morpeth Rugby Club Fireworks
Morpeth Rugby Club is hosting its annual fireworks evening, with gates opening at 5pm.
The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm.
Tickets are advertised at £8 for adults and £6 for children under 12.
Durham Rowing Club Fireworks
Durham Rowing Club is holding a riverside fireworks event at Green Lane.
Gates open at 5pm, with fireworks scheduled for 7pm.
Tickets cost £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for children under 12.
Gateshead Rugby Club – Low Fell
Gateshead Rugby Club is hosting a fireworks display at its Eastwood Gardens clubhouse in Low Fell.
Gates open at 4.30pm, with fireworks beginning at 6.30pm.
Advance tickets are advertised at £7 per person, with family tickets available for £25. Children under five can enter free.
Ocean Beach Fireworks – South Shields
South Shields will host two free fireworks displays at Ocean Beach.
The first takes place at 6pm, followed by a second at 8pm.
Both displays are free to attend, with the seafront providing a popular location for families.
Beamish Hall Fireworks Extravaganza
Beamish Hall Hotel is hosting its fireworks extravaganza across three evenings: 1, 3 and 4 November.
Visitors can expect street performers, walkabout characters, DJs, family-friendly fairground rides and a large fireworks display.
Arrival is from 6pm.
Tickets are priced per vehicle, starting from £45.95.
Wednesday 4 November
Red Sky Foundation Fireworks – Ashbrooke, Sunderland
The Red Sky Foundation is holding a charity fireworks event in Ashbrooke.
Gates open at 4.30pm, with the display scheduled for 8pm.
There will also be live music and street food.
Tickets are advertised at £7.50, with children under two admitted free.
Rainton Arena Fireworks Festival
Rainton Arena is hosting a three-night fireworks festival from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November.
Running daily from 4pm until 9pm, the event features a large bonfire, stilt walkers, street food and live music.
Tickets start from £5.
Thursday 5 November – Bonfire Night
Blue Flames Fireworks – Benton
Blue Flames Sporting Club will host its popular annual display on Bonfire Night itself.
Gates open at 5.30pm, with fireworks at 7.30pm.
Fairground attractions, food vendors and indoor bars will be available throughout the evening.
Tickets must be purchased online, and there is no on-site parking.
Fireworks at the Fort – Segedunum, Wallsend
The spectacular free display returns to Segedunum Roman Fort, overlooking the River Tyne.
The outdoor site opens at 5pm, and the fireworks begin at 6.30pm.
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £2 per adult.
Visitors should note that Buddle Street will be closed between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, parking is limited and dogs are not permitted.
The Big Blaze – Lintz Hall Farm
Lintz Hall Farm, also known for hosting the Halloween attraction Psycho Path, will hold its Big Blaze fireworks event on both Thursday 5 and Saturday 7 November.
The event runs from 4pm until 11pm.
Tickets start from £9.
Ponteland Community Primary School Fireworks
Ponteland Community Primary School is holding its community fireworks event, with gates opening at 4.30pm.
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 6pm.
Tickets are advertised at £5.50.
Friday 6 November
Firework and Funfair Racenight – Newcastle Racecourse
One of the biggest local events returns to Newcastle Racecourse.
The evening combines racing, fairground rides, entertainment, character appearances and a spectacular fireworks and laser finale.
This year's event includes a toy-themed family entertainment programme, with characters, a treasure hunt and other activities.
Children under 18 can attend free with an adult under the racecourse's advertised ticket arrangements.
Tickets and full event details are available through the Newcastle Racecourse website.
Barmoor Fireworks – Ryton
Barmoor's popular community fireworks evening returns with free admission.
The event features a family fairground and community fireworks display, with entertainment beginning during the afternoon and continuing into the evening.
Further details are available through the local organisers.
Saturday 7 November
Gosforth Fireworks Extravaganza – Broadway West
One of Newcastle's best-known fireworks events returns to Broadway West Playing Fields.
Organised by Newcastle Round Table, the display celebrates its 50th year in 2026.
Gates open at 5pm, with fireworks scheduled for approximately 7pm.
Visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls, entertainment, character appearances, fire performers and fairground rides.
Tickets must be purchased online before arrival.
Current standard prices include £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for children aged four to 15 and family packages from £25, before any applicable booking fees.
There is no on-site parking.
Hexham Fireworks – Sele Park
Hexham is hosting a free musical fireworks display at Sele Park.
A samba band will help build the atmosphere from 6.30pm before the main display.
The event is free to attend.
Alnwick Community Fireworks – Alnwick Town Juniors Football Club
Organised by the local Round Table, this event will feature food trucks, a funfair and fireworks.
Gates open at 6pm, with the first fireworks expected at 7.30pm.
Tickets are advertised at £6 for adults and £4 for children aged four to 16. Children under four can attend free.
Blaydon Rugby Club Fireworks
Blaydon RFC will host its 20th annual Bonfire Night celebration.
The event features a pyromusical fireworks display alongside a food village offering a selection of street food, including pizza, burgers, crêpes and more.
Tickets are advertised at approximately £5.74 for children and £9.42 for adults.
Festival of Fireworks – Chester-le-Street Riverside
The Festival of Fireworks promises a large fireworks and laser display choreographed to music.
Gates open at 4.30pm, with fireworks and lasers scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.
Tickets start from £7 for children and £11 for adults.
Firework Frenzy – Gateshead International Stadium
Gateshead International Stadium is hosting Firework Frenzy, with music, entertainment and a large fairground.
The event runs from 5pm until 9pm, with the main fireworks display scheduled for 8.30pm.
Ticket prices vary depending on advance booking and ticket type.
South Northumberland Cricket Club – Gosforth
South Northumberland Cricket Club, located just behind Gosforth High Street on Roseworth Terrace, will hold its annual fireworks evening.
Attractions are expected to include food, bars, inflatables and family entertainment.
Residents should check the club's official website for final ticket prices and event timings.
Tynemouth Cricket Club Fireworks
Tynemouth Cricket Club's fireworks event returns, with gates opening at 5pm.
The display starts at 7pm.
Tickets are advertised between £4 and £7, with group tickets available for £20.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Fireworks – Church Point
A free fireworks event will take place at Church Point in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
The fairground opens at 1pm, with fireworks scheduled for 6pm.
Admission is free, although donations are welcomed.
Which firework displays are free?
For families looking to enjoy Bonfire Night without purchasing admission tickets, several events are advertised as free to attend.
These include Blyth, Whitley Bay, Seaham, Ocean Beach in South Shields, Fireworks at the Fort in Wallsend, Barmoor in Ryton, Hexham and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
Some free events may request voluntary donations, while food, drinks and fairground attractions may carry additional charges.
Advice for families travelling from Newcastle Great Park
Residents planning to attend a display should allow additional travel time, particularly for the larger events in Gosforth, Benton, Whitley Bay and Wallsend.
These displays can attract significant crowds, and some venues have limited parking or temporary traffic restrictions.
Where possible, consider public transport or travelling with friends and family.
It is also worth checking the weather forecast before leaving home, as strong winds and heavy rain can affect whether fireworks displays go ahead.
Parents with younger children may prefer events offering earlier displays, such as Barnes Park, South Shields or Wallsend.
Anyone sensitive to loud noise should check with individual organisers about the nature of their displays before attending.
Remember pets and local wildlife during Bonfire Night
With fireworks already being heard around Newcastle Great Park, residents are also reminded of the impact loud explosions can have on household pets and wildlife.
Dogs, cats and wild animals, including deer living around Great Park's green spaces, may be frightened by sudden loud bangs.
Organised displays offer the advantage of published dates and times, allowing pet owners and other residents to prepare in advance.
The RSPCA recommends keeping pets safely indoors during fireworks, closing curtains and providing somewhere quiet for frightened animals to retreat.
Residents should also consider neighbours who may find loud fireworks distressing, including young children and people with sensory sensitivities.
Check event details before travelling
All information in this guide is based on event announcements and published listings available as of Thursday 29 October 2026.
Dates, timings, prices and ticket availability can change, particularly if weather conditions affect an outdoor event.
Residents should check the latest details with individual organisers before setting off.
For those living in Newcastle Great Park, the upcoming events at Gosforth, Benton, Wallsend and Newcastle Racecourse are among the most convenient options.
Great Park Gazette wishes everyone attending Bonfire Night celebrations across the North East a safe and enjoyable time.
Published: Thursday 29 October 2026. Sources: Event organisers, regional tourism listings and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service
