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Fireworks displays and bonfire nights across Kent in 2022

15:29, 06 October 2022

updated: 13:05, 01 November 2022

After years of cancellations, fireworks are back with a bang - and you certainly won’t want to miss them.

We’ve rounded up the best displays in the county taking place in 2022, from larger-than-life spectaculars to local charity events, and everything in between.

Brands Hatch, near Swanley

This Kent race circuit will once again finish off the season with a bang with its Truck Racing and Fireworks event. The weekend spectacular sees headline races from the British Truck Racing Championship take to the tracks, finished off with a fantastic fireworks display on the Sunday. The fireworks will also be joined by a twilight convoy of trucks for that extra special Brands Hatch twist. And, for the first time this year, there will be a shuttle bus service between Swanley train station and Brands Hatch to make your visit as easy as possible.

Details: Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 at Brands Hatch in West Kingsdown, near Swanley. Fireworks start from 5.15pm on Sunday only. Weekend tickets cost £35, each day is priced individually. Book online here.

Central Park, Dartford

Charity group Dartford Lions Club will be hosting their annual fireworks display in the town’s Central Park this November. The evening, marking the club’s 51st fireworks event, includes a bonfire, which will be lit ahead of the fireworks display, and lots of fundraising activities. The money raised from the event, which is run by volunteers, will go towards helping local charities.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Central Park in Dartford. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 8pm. Adult tickets cost £6, child tickets cost £3. Book online here.

Cornwallis Academy, Maidstone

As one of the county’s more recent displays, the Cornwallis Academy Fireworks Display only began lighting up Maidstone skies in 2019. Since skipping 2020 due to the pandemic, the fireworks returned in 2021 and it looks like they’re here to stay. This year, the school’s fun-filled fireworks night also features a fairground with rides for the whole family, hot food from the hog roast and burger van, sweet treats such as candyfloss, and a bar so you can enjoy a drink as you watch the display.

Details: Friday, November 4 at Cornwallis Academy in Maidstone. Doors open at 5pm, fireworks start at 8pm. General admission tickets start from £15, family tickets are available. Book online here.

The Farriers Arms, Ashford

This historic country pub is bringing not one, but two, nights of fabulous fireworks to Ashford locals this year. On Friday, there will be a family-friendly fireworks night, which will include fancy dress competitions, glow sticks, music and childrens’ activities. On Saturday, the spectacular really kicks off with a fully-blown fireworks night, complete with a bonfire, hot food, a bar and a DJ in the field playing party anthems until late.

Details: Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 at the Farriers Arms in Ashford. On Friday, gates open at 4.30pm, fireworks start at 6pm. On Saturday, gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 7pm. Tickets start from £12.50. Book online here.

The Great Lines display in Gillingham has been a popular bonfire night event for many years. Picture by: John Westhrop
The Great Lines display in Gillingham has been a popular bonfire night event for many years. Picture by: John Westhrop

Great Lines Heritage Park, Gillingham

One of Medway’s biggest firework displays will see sparks fly once again at this award-winning heritage park. The fireworks will be timed to music that crowds are sure to recognise, making this a fun night out suitable for all ages.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham. The event starts from 7.30pm. Entry is free and there’s no need to book. Find out more here.

Hextable Park, near Swanley

This friendly village fireworks display returns for bonfire night. Organised by Hextable Parish Council, this year's 'pyro musical' will be set off to the sounds of 007, so expect the biggest and best songs from the James Bond soundtracks. There is often hot food and drink available on site and nick-nacks such as glow sticks and wands for sale.

Details: Friday, November 4 at Hextable Park, Emersons Avenue, near Swanley. Gates open at 7pm, fireworks start at 7.30pm. Entry is free.

Kent Life, Sandling

The countdown to Christmas is almost here at Kent Life, but not before the dazzling fireworks display closes out the season. The farm, near Maidstone, will be open in the afternoon for families to enjoy the on-site entertainment, such as fairground rides, play areas and animal feeding, before the fireworks begin. The evening will feature glow sticks, food stalls, a licensed bar and a number of viewing points dotted around the grounds, so you can find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.

Details: Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6 at Kent Life in Sandling, near Maidstone. The farm will be open from 3pm, fireworks start at 6pm and last admission is 5.30pm. Adult tickets cost £15, child tickets cost £12. Book online here.

Maidstone Grammar School

This bumper bonfire night event will wow visitors with 30 minutes of fabulous fireworks, set to a soundtrack of uplifting anthems that we all know and love. There will also be a food court set up to stop you getting hungry during the display, with options such as pizza, burgers and Indian street food, as well as plenty of tea and coffee to keep you warm.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Maidstone Grammar School, near Mote Park. Gates open at 5pm, the event ends at 10.30pm. Adult tickets cost £12, child tickets cost £5. Family tickets are also available. Book online here.

Spectacular fireworks will light up the skies over the historic Leeds Castle. Picture: Matthew Walker / Leeds Castle
Spectacular fireworks will light up the skies over the historic Leeds Castle. Picture: Matthew Walker / Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

This year, Leeds Castle is putting on a fireworks display fit for royalty. The full production features lasers, projections and music, all with a grand royal theme, to rouse the crowds and show off the best of these historic grounds. There will be live music from the Adam Chandler Band, street food and a fairground during the day, as well as the castle’s usual outdoor activities such as the maze, play areas and garden walks.

Details: Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Grounds open from 2pm, fireworks start at 5.30pm. Adult tickets cost £25 and include entry to the Leeds Castle grounds and fireworks display. Book online here.

Lydden Hill Race Circuit, near Dover

Lydden Hill Race Circuit is finishing the final rounds of the Five Nations British Rallycross Championship on a high. This special after-dark event sees rallycross racers whiz around the floodlit track, followed by a magnificent 10-minute fireworks display to mark the end of the season. This thrilling evening of entertainment is perfect for families and racing fans alike.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Lydden Hill Race Circuit, between Dover and Canterbury. Races start from 9am on Saturday, fireworks start at approximately 5.45pm once the races have finished. Tickets start from £12.50, under 13s go free. VIP packages are available. Book online here.

Paddock Wood Primary Academy

This Paddock Wood school is welcoming visitors yet again to enjoy a family night at the fireworks. Tuck into tasty treats such as popcorn, candyfloss, hot food and drinks from the bar as you listen to live music from local band The Patinas and take part in the tombola and raffle. All of this is rounded off with a grand fireworks finale.

Details: Sunday, November 6 at Paddock Wood Primary Academy on Old Kent Road. Gates open at 4.30pm, fireworks start at 6pm. Tickets cost £5.50, under 1s go free. Book online here.

Palace Farm, Doddington

This striking fireworks display is back, and it’s one of the only in the county that allow sparklers this year. At the display, there will be a dedicated sparkler area where you can purchase and light your sparklers, and there will also be a bonfire, food and drink stalls, and free parking. It’s worth noting that ticket booking closes on Sunday, October 30 to allow for postage, as paper tickets will be delivered to you for this event. Also, all of the stalls at the event will be cash-only.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Palace Farm in Doddington, near Sittingbourne. Gates open at 5.30pm, fireworks start at 7pm. Adult tickets cost £10, child tickets cost £3. Tickets must be booked in advance. Book online here.

Wrap up warm and enjoy a night out with the family watching fireworks. Picture: Julie Blackmer
Wrap up warm and enjoy a night out with the family watching fireworks. Picture: Julie Blackmer

Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea

This large seaside park will be setting the coast alight this November with a breathtaking bonfire night. The event, which has been running for the past 15 years, has a packed programme of things to see and do. You can enjoy live music from the Greatest Show, Bon Giovi and a Queen tribute band, watch the bonfire light up and marvel at two brilliant displays. The first is a family-friendly display aimed at younger guests with no music and no ground based fireworks, while the second is a louder display choreographed to a special soundtrack.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Quex Park in Birchington-on-Sea. Gates open at 4pm, first display starts at 6.30pm, second display starts at 8.30pm. Adult tickets cost £16.50, child tickets cost £14.50. Family tickets are also available. Book online here.

Reuthe’s The Lost Garden, Sevenoaks

If your family aren’t fans of fireworks but still want to celebrate bonfire night, a visit to Sevenoaks might just be the ticket. This firework-free party is a great way for children to still enjoy the weekend, with music, games, food and drink (with a fully licensed bar for the grown ups), and, of course, a flickering bonfire to mark the occasion.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at Reuthe’s The Lost Garden in Sevenoaks. Party starts at 3pm and ends at 6pm. Tickets cost between £2 and £4. Book online here.

The Spitfire Ground is one of the biggest fireworks displays in Canterbury. Picture: Andy Jones
The Spitfire Ground is one of the biggest fireworks displays in Canterbury. Picture: Andy Jones

The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury

One of Canterbury’s biggest displays, in one of Kent’s biggest cricket grounds, is making a welcome return this year. The Kent Cricket fireworks display kicks off with a funfair, live music from FNKHAUS and a countdown to the fireworks hosted by our very own kmfm Breakfast Show team, Garry and Chelsea. The colourful display will then light up the city sky to finish off the evening.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 7.15pm. Adult tickets cost £8, child tickets cost £4. Family tickets are also available. Book online here.

The Three Daws, Gravesend

This waterfront pub will be setting off fireworks over the River Thames this November. The Three Daws will be filling visitors’ stomachs with a delicious BBQ earlier in the evening, before the fireworks explode over Gravesend Town Pier.

Details: Saturday, November 5 at the Three Daws in Gravesend. BBQ starts at 6pm, fireworks start at 8.30pm. Children are welcome to stay at the pub until 10pm. Entry is free and there’s no need to book. Find out more here.

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground

This annual charity display, organised by Tonbridge Round Table, has become a favourite with locals over the years. This November, there will be food and drink stalls from independent vendors, a licensed bar, LED toys for children, music and activities to take part in before the fireworks begin.

Details: Sunday, November 6 at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground, near Tonbridge Castle. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 6pm. Adult tickets cost £8.50, child tickets cost £6. Book online here.

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