Bonfire Night doesn’t get more spectacular than Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks 2025. With a 270-degree pyro-musical display, raging bonfire, lasers, monster-truck rides and a huge funfair, this Oxfordshire classic earns its reputation as the biggest fireworks event in Britain. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night or a full-on weekend away, this deep-dive guide covers every detail—from early-bird tickets to late-night snack hacks—so you can focus on making wow-worthy memories.
Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks 2025 Dates, Times & Location
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When: Saturday 15 November 2025—gates open 3 pm, children’s low-noise display 6 pm, bonfire & fireballs 7 pm, main pyro-musical at 8 pm. Arrive by 6 pm latest to dodge traffic queues.
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Where: Abingdon Airfield (Dalton Barracks), Shippon, OX13 6JQ—just 2 miles west of Abingdon-on-Thames.
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Why it matters: The flat airfield site gives unobstructed 360° sight-lines—great news if you’re searching “best viewing spots Abingdon fireworks 2025.”
Secure Your Abingdon Fireworks 2025 Tickets Early & Save
Early-bird vs on-the-day pricing
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Infant (0–2) Free
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Child (3–15) £6 early / £10 on the day
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Adult (16+) £12 early / £20 on the day
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Family (2 adults + 2 kids) £35 early / £?? on the day
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Parking on-site: £5 pre-booked (ANPR controlled)
Top tip: Group of 15 +? Email the organisers for up to 20 % off. Perfect for scouts, sports teams or office socials.
How to Get to Abingdon Bonfire Night 2025: Travel, Parking & Accessibility
By car (A34 & M40 routes)
Follow the event’s temporary one-way system for streamlined entry/exit; marshals and 1,000 + cones keep traffic flowing. Aim for OX13 6JQ then switch to event signage.
By train
Nearest stations: Oxford (8 mi) & Didcot Parkway (10 mi). From either, grab the 35, X2 Connector or 44 bus to Abingdon, then a 5-min taxi to the gate.
By bus
The Oxford Bus Company 44 drops at Shippon; it’s a 10-minute stroll to the pedestrian entrance. Evening return services run until 23:30 on Bonfire Night.
Parking & Blue-Badge access
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All entry tickets include on-site parking; pre-book to guarantee a space.
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Flat tarmac & grass mix is wheelchair-friendly; accessible toilets available.
What to Expect: Bonfire, Fireworks, Fairground & More
Record-breaking pyro-musical display
A 270-degree wrap-around show choreographed to chart hits, complete with lasers and flame cannons. Expect “wow” moments every 2–3 seconds.
Giant bonfire & fireballs
The towering wood stack ignites at 7 pm, followed by ground-shaking fireball effects—great for Instagram’s slo-mo reel.
Family-friendly extras
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Low-noise kids’ display at 6 pm—perfect if you’re Googling “Abingdon quiet fireworks for toddlers.”
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Huge funfair with £2 ride deals 3–5 pm.
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Monster-truck rides, hot-air-balloon glow, fire performers and over 20 inflatables.
Food & drink village
Vegan burgers, loaded fries, hog roast, licensed bars and gourmet hot chocolate. You can bring picnic food but no outside alcohol.
Essential FAQs: Safety, Comfort & Rules
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Are dogs allowed? | Sorry—no pets, including assistance dogs, are permitted on the airfield. |
| Can I bring chairs/blankets? | Absolutely—folding chairs & rugs welcome. |
| Sparklers? | Buy on-site only; personal fireworks & drones are banned. |
| Toilets? | Loads of portable & fixed loos, plus accessible cubicles. |
| Rain plan? | Fireworks go ahead unless winds become unsafe; pack waterproofs & layers. |
Where to Stay Near Abingdon Fireworks (Make a Weekend of It)
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Crown & Thistle Hotel – 1.5 mi, historic coaching inn with cosy fireplaces.
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Cosener’s House – riverside setting, landscaped gardens, 1.5 mi.
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Premier Inn Abingdon – budget-friendly, 1.3 mi on Marcham Road.
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Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon-Oxford – modern rooms, free parking, 1 mi to town centre.
Pro Tips for a Five-Star Fireworks Experience
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Arrive before sunset (4:30 pm) to catch £2 rides, scout seating spots and watch the hot-air balloons inflate.
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Dress smart: November nights drop below 5 °C—thermal base layers and waterproof boots beat fashion.
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Bring earmuffs for kids during the main show; the ground-shaking fireballs can spook little ones.
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Cash & card both accepted, but card queues move faster at bars.
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Follow the exit marshals—the 2025 traffic plan uses separate entry & exit lanes, shaving 20 minutes off 2024 departure times.
Things to Do Around Abingdon (If You’re Staying Over)
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Abingdon Abbey Meadows – riverside park with playground & splash pad.
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Abingdon County Hall Museum – climb the roof for Thames-side views.
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Oxford – just 20 minutes by car or bus for dreaming spires, punting and Christmas shopping.
Final Checklist
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Tickets downloaded to phone
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Parking pre-booked
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Layered clothing & waterproofs
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Folding chairs / blanket
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Ear defenders for kids
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Fully charged phone + power bank
See you under the sparks at Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks 2025!
Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What date and time is Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks 2025?
Saturday 15 November 2025. Gates & funfair open 3 pm, children’s low-noise display 6 pm, bonfire 7 pm, main pyro-musical 8 pm.
2. How much are Abingdon fireworks 2025 tickets and do kids under three need one?
Early-release: Adult £12, Child (3-15) £6, Family £35, Infant (0-2) FREE—but you must register a free infant e-ticket. Prices rise the closer you get to the night and may sell out online first.
3. Can I buy tickets on the gate?
Only if capacity remains. In 2024 the event sold out 48 hours beforehand, so pre-booking is strongly advised.
4. Is parking available on-site and how much does it cost?
Yes—hard-standing and grass bays right next to the arena. £5 when pre-booked (ANPR in use). Accessible blue-badge bays are free but still need booking.
5. Are dogs allowed at Abingdon Bonfire Night?
No animals (including assistance dogs) are permitted anywhere on the airfield for safety reasons.
6. Can I bring my own food, drinks or sparklers?
Picnics and sealed soft drinks are welcome; outside alcohol, BBQs and personal fireworks are banned. Official sparkler packs are sold inside the arena.
7. What happens if it rains or is very windy?
The show is “rain-or-shine.” Only sustained high winds would pause or shorten the display. Bring waterproof layers and sturdy shoes for grass areas.
8. Is there a quieter display for toddlers?
Yes—a dedicated low-noise children’s display at 6 pm with reduced bangs and lower altitude effects.
9. Is the event wheelchair-friendly?
The arena is flat; accessible toilets, viewing areas and blue-badge parking are provided. No mobility-scooter hire is available on-site.
10. What’s the best way to get to Abingdon fireworks from Oxford?
Take the 35, X2 Connector or 44 bus to Abingdon town centre, then a 5-minute taxi or shuttle to the gate. Trains run to Oxford and Didcot Parkway until late evening.
11. When do the gates close for entry?
Last entry is 6 pm sharp to keep the site secure for the pyro-musical setup. Plan to arrive by 5 pm to find parking and a viewing spot.
12. What should I wear to Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks?
Mid-November evenings average 4-7 °C. Layer up with thermals, waterproof jacket and boots; bring gloves and a hat for kids. Fold-up camping chairs and picnic blankets are allowed.
