Five thrilling fireworks nights in Portsmouth and Southsea
It’s that time of the year again! Heads craned to skies filled with colour, sparklers fizzing away in our hands, letting the festive feelings set in. Here’s a list of our top five picks for fireworks and bonfire night events in Portsmouth, Southsea, and wider Hampshire!
Fireworks at the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower
Head over to Gosport to the Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower on Sunday 30th October for explosions of a different kind: fireworks!
The event includes a fire performer, bonfire, fairground, food and drink stalls, a bouncy castle, and face painters.
The fireworks will ignite the sky over Priddy’s Hard in Gosport, timed to an exciting musical soundtrack.
Tickets are £6.00 for adults, £4.00 for children, or £15.00 for families. Under-5s can come along for free. The ticket price also includes entry into the museum itself. Book yours online through the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website »
The event starts at 5:00pm, and the fireworks commence from 7:00pm.
King George V Playing Fields Fireworks and Bonfire 2016
No fireworks calendar is complete without the annual King George V Playing Fields bonfire, taking place from 7:00pm on Wednesday 2nd November in Cosham this year.
The bonfire will be lit at 7:00pm, followed by the locally-renowned fireworks display exploding into life from 7:30pm. The display runs for 20 minutes, and is backed by a soundtrack of hits from the last five decades.
The family fun begins from 4:00pm, with a children’s funfair and live music on the main stage, including performances from singer-songwriter Jerry Williams and family group JACMAC.
Car parking will be available at Lakeside 1000, sited off Western Road. Cosham Railway Station is located five minutes away, and there are bus links on Northern Road.
Admission is free and the event is unticketed.
Thorney Island Fireworks and Bonfire
Emsworth’s Thorney Island fireworks display and bonfire returns from 6:00pm on Thursday 3rd November.
There will be food and drink stalls, a funfair for the children — and adults! — and protective marquees should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Admission is £2.00 per person or £10.00 per car (parking is free). Entry for serving personnel and their families will be free.
Thorney Island is located on the other side of Hayling Island.
Palmerston Road Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks Display
On Wednesday 9th November, the skies above Palmerston Road will be filled with fantastic fireworks, following the official Christmas lights switch-on in Southsea’s shopping centre.
Throughout the day, the Love Southsea Market will be hosting a diverse and eclectic range of traders, from makers, artists, illustrators, and vintage clothes traders to jewellery makers, shabby chic sellers, and giftware stalls — it’s the perfect festive shopportunity!
The Love Southsea Market runs from 9:00am through 7:00pm, with the Christmas lights flicking on at 5:00pm and the fireworks show starting from 6:00pm.
Come sundown, there’ll also be live music, and fairground and sideshow attractions.
Gunwharf Quays Fireworks Extravaganza
Gunwharf Quays’ annual fireworks extravaganza hits the skies over Portsmouth Harbour on Thursday 10th November, with live entertainment, music, and a signature soundtrack.
Also on the night, Gunwharf will be switching on their brand new Christmas lights, and all stores will be open ‘til 9:00pm for plenty of chances to get in some early Christmas shopping.
South coast radio station Wave 105 will be hosting the evening, keeping the crowds entertained with a host of hits and a to-be-announced special live act.
Take your place at one of the viewing points in and around Gunwharf Quays from 6:00pm to enjoy the evening.
Admission is free!