What’s On in the Cotswolds for Bonfire Night 2026

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026, and the Cotswolds and surrounding countryside will once again be lighting up with fireworks, bonfires and family-friendly celebrations.

If you’re looking for a memorable autumn evening in the Cotswolds, there are already some exciting events confirmed for 2026, with more expected to be announced as November approaches.

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🎆 Gordon League Fireworks, Gloucester – 5 November

One of the biggest Bonfire Night events in the wider Cotswolds area is the Gordon League Fireworks at Gordon League Rugby Football Club in Hempsted, Gloucester, on Thursday 5 November.

The event promises plenty for families, including a funfair, food and drink, entertainment and two fireworks displays. There will be a specially designed low-noise display for younger children, followed by a larger pyro-musical spectacular choreographed to music.

There will also be children's entertainment and character appearances, making this a good option for a family evening out.

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Where: Gordon League Rugby Football Club, Hempsted, Gloucester
When: Thursday 5 November 2026
What's on: Fireworks, low-noise display, funfair, food, drinks and family entertainment

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If you're planning to go, check the event information before travelling, particularly regarding parking and tickets, as organisers say the event can sell quickly.

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🔥 Forest of Dean Fireworks Spectacular – 7 November

For something a little different, head west towards the Forest of Dean on Saturday 7 November for the Forest of Dean Lions Fireworks Spectacular at Speech House Field.

The community event includes a traditional bonfire, funfair, food concessions and a 20-minute fireworks display. Gates open at 4pm, the bonfire is scheduled for 5pm and fireworks are due at 6.30pm. Under-12s can attend free with an adult.

It could make a great excuse for a day exploring the Forest of Dean before settling down for an evening of fireworks.

Where: Speech House Field, Forest of Dean
When: Saturday 7 November 2026
Gates: 4pm
Bonfire: 5pm
Fireworks: 6.30pm

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🎇 Tortworth Court – Sunday 1 November

If you want to start your Bonfire Night celebrations early, Tortworth Court near the southern edge of the wider Cotswolds area is listed for a charity firework display on Sunday 1 November 2026.

This is worth considering for visitors staying around the southern Cotswolds, particularly if Thursday 5 November doesn't suit.

Event details can change, so check the organiser's latest information before making plans.

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🍂 Make a Weekend of It

Bonfire Night is an especially atmospheric time to visit the Cotswolds. The villages are quieter than during the summer months, the countryside is full of autumn colour and the evenings are perfect for cosy pubs, country inns and roaring fires.

Rather than simply travelling in for the fireworks, why not turn the occasion into an autumn weekend?

Spend Saturday exploring one of the Cotswolds' picturesque towns or villages, enjoy a traditional pub lunch, head out for an afternoon countryside walk and then finish the day with fireworks. Alternatively, arrive on Thursday for Bonfire Night itself and stay for a couple of nights.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Bonfire Night

If you're taking young children, look out for displays offering low-noise fireworks. The Gordon League event, for example, has specifically planned a low-noise display alongside its main fireworks show.

It's also worth checking:

• Whether the event has accessible parking
• Whether tickets need to be purchased in advance
• Firework start times
• Whether there is a bonfire as well as fireworks
• Food and drink availability
• Whether ear defenders are recommended for children
• Weather and travel arrangements

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🧤 What to Wear

November in the Cotswolds can be cold, particularly when you're standing outside waiting for fireworks to begin.

Wrap up warm with plenty of layers, waterproof footwear and a warm coat. A hat and gloves are also a good idea, especially for children.

And don't forget an umbrella, November weather can be unpredictable!

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📅 More Cotswolds Bonfire Night Events to Come

It's still relatively early for the 2026 Bonfire Night season, so the list of confirmed events is likely to grow as local councils, pubs, hotels, charities and community groups publish their plans.

For now, Thursday 5 November 2026 is the main date to put in your diary, with events also taking place on the surrounding weekend.

Whether you're looking for a huge fireworks spectacular, a traditional village bonfire or a family-friendly evening out, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas should offer plenty of ways to celebrate.

Remember, remember the 5th of November, and start planning your Cotswolds Bonfire Night adventure!

Event details and timings can change. Always check with the individual organiser before travelling, particularly for ticket availability, parking and weather-related changes.

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For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine.

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