Jane's Midlife Journey

If you’re a fan of pyrotechnics, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a free firework display in the Bournemouth area, particularly during the summer holiday season. And, of course, around 5th November for Guy Fawkes. Here are some dates for 2026. All of the events listed are free with the exception of Littledown Fireworks.

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Where	Bournemouth Pier
Date	24th July 31st July 7th August 4th August 21st August 28th August
Time	10 pm

In Bournemouth, firework displays usually take place every Friday during the school summer holidays at 10 pm from near Bournemouth Pier. The fireworks can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the beach or cliff top for several miles, but the best views are from the prom either side of the pier. Just follow the crowds heading for the coast Pied Piper style to enjoy the show.

Note: The scheduled 2026 dates are listed above. Some of these were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. There was then an additional, extra large display on Friday 4th September.

Poole Thursday Fireworks

Where	Poole Quay
Date	6th August 13th August 20st August 27th August
Time	Display at 10 pm

In Poole, the firework action takes place on Thursdays during the school summer holidays on Poole Quay. Displays are at 10 pm. In addition to fireworks, there is music, street entertainment and fairground rides available in the build up, from 7.30 pm onwards.

Note: The scheduled 2026 dates are listed above. Some of these were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. There was an additional display on Thursday 3rd September.

Christchurch Carnival Fireworks

Where	Christchurch Quay
Date	Saturday 15th August
Time	9.20 pm

If that isn’t sufficient summer firework action, Christchurch Carnival has its own free display, which takes place as part of the carnival weekend. The display on Saturday August 15th at 9.20 pm on Christchurch Quay. This is the culmination of a day of free entertainment, headlined by two tribute acts; The Green Day Experience and Fearlessly Taylor, just before the fireworks.

Note: The scheduled 2026 details are given above. The display was cancelled due to the heatwave and replaced with a DJ.

Bournemouth November Fireworks

Where	Littledown Centre
Date	Saturday 7th November
Time	Displays at 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm

Bournemouth’s main November firework display is at the Littledown Centre on Saturday November 7th. The event starts at 5 pm. As well as fireworks, there is entertainment, such as a funfair, live music, fire performers, kids’ sports and a family indoor zone with bouncy castles and cheerleading academy. Three firework displays will take place at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm. The 7 pm display is perfect for families and is the quietest of the displays. The 8 pm display is the busiest. The 9 pm show is described as a ‘white knuckle’ firework display full of colour and noise.

One entry ticket covers the entire evening. Ticket prices increase with proximity to the event, with prices starting at £8.80 (£6.60 for children aged 4-15). Family packages are also available.

Poole November Fireworks

Where	Poole Quay
Date	Thursday 5th November
Time	8 pm

There are also November 5th fireworks on Poole Quay. The display is at 8pm. The festivities start at 5 pm with live music, family entertainment and other activities.

Poole Firework Cruise

For a great view of the Poole Quay fireworks, Coastal Cruises offer Firework Cruises in both August and November. You can take a cruise around Poole Harbour, then enjoy the fireworks from the vantage of the water, whilst taking advantage of the boat’s licensed bar.

The cruise costs £17 for adults (£13.50 for children age 5-16).

The Big Glow Show

Where	Shelley Park Boscombe
Date	Friday 6th November Saturday 7th November
Time	Shows at 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm

Not fireworks, but something new for 2027 is the Big Glow Show. The event is described as a “spectacular family-friendly evening of light, live music and entertainment, created as an exciting alternative to a traditional fireworks display.”

As this is a new event, the following details have been taken from the organisers’ Facebook Page:

Each evening is made up of three themed shows.

At the start of each hour, a live singer takes to the stage for around 45 minutes. As the music plays, the entertainment builds around them with circus performers, fire artists and visual entertainment. Then, for the final 15 minutes of each show, the stage gives way to a stunning laser spectacular, specially themed to the music you’ve just enjoyed.

6 PM – MAGICAL FAMILY FAVOURITES
Gem Rose brings much-loved songs from the world of family films and animated adventures to life, followed by a magical laser finale.

7 PM – DISCO & POP CLASSICS
Gem Rose returns with the fabulous feel-good hits of ABBA, building towards another dazzling laser spectacular.

8 PM – ROCK THE NIGHT
Matt Black – The Piano Man takes us through some of the greatest rock anthems, before we finish the evening with our biggest laser finale!

There will also be fire entertainers, circus performers, fairground fun and food & drink stalls.

There are no traditional fireworks and no explosive bangs – instead, an evening of music, colour, performance and light.

Tickets, which cover a full evening of entertainment, cost £14.25 (£8.30 for children aged 5-15) and are available here.

Updated: September 2026

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.