Bonfire Night in Wales: the best firework displays
There's something special about Bonfire Night in Wales. Whether you're wrapping up warm on a hillside above a blazing fire or watching fireworks burst over a castle rampart, 5 November is a great excuse to get out and explore somewhere new. Better still, many of the best displays in Wales are easy to reach by train. Plan your journey before you travel and leave the car at home.
Here are some of the top firework displays across Wales.
1. Cardiff Cooper’s Field fireworks
Cardiff's Bonfire Night display is one of the biggest in Wales, set against the dramatic backdrop of the castle's medieval walls. The city centre atmosphere on the night is brilliant, with food stalls, fairground rides and the kind of crowd that makes even a soggy evening feel festive.
How to get there: Cardiff Cooper’s Field sits right in the heart of the city, a short walk from Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Queen Street station. With trains running frequently from across the network, it's one of the easiest big displays in Wales to get to without a car.
2. Swansea fireworks at St Helen’s Ground
Swansea's annual fireworks display takes place in St Helen’s Ground, on the west side of the city. It's a well-organised event with a proper bonfire, live music and food, drawing a big crowd every year.
How to get there: St Helen’s is around a mile and a half from Swansea station, with local bus connections from the city centre. Swansea is served by regular direct trains from Cardiff Central (taking around an hour) and Carmarthen (taking around 30 minutes).
3. Newport fireworks
Newport puts on a lively Bonfire Night each year, typically at Newport Salop RUFC on the northern edge of the city. The grounds are spacious and the display tends to be generously sized for a city event.
How to get there: Newport station is well connected, with regular trains from Cardiff Central (taking around 15 minutes) and services from the west and north throughout the evening. Check Newport City Council website closer to the date for details and any venue changes.
4. Wrexham fireworks
North Wales' largest town goes all out for Bonfire Night. The main display is usually held at Penyllan Farm, drawing visitors from across the region.
How to get there: Wrexham General station and Wrexham Central station are both well served from Chester and Shrewsbury, making it a good option if you're coming from the north. Check local listings for the venue and timings each year.
5. Rhyl fireworks
Rhyl's Bonfire Night display is set on the seafront, and a fireworks display over the sea is hard to beat! Located at Lyons Robin Hood, there’s a straightforward, unpretentious charm on nights like this. The beach promenade makes for a great vantage point.
How to get there: Rhyl station is on the North Wales Coastline, with trains from Chester (taking around 45 minutes) and from Llandudno Junction (around 25 minutes).
6. Llandudno fireworks
Llandudno's November fireworks make the most of the town's extraordinary setting, with the Great Orme headland as a backdrop and the sweep of the bay spread out before you. It's one of the most scenic Bonfire Night venues in Wales.
How to get there: Llandudno station is the end of the branch line from Llandudno Junction, with connections from Chester, Cardiff and across the network.
A quick note before you travel: firework display dates and venues do change from year to year. Always check with the local council or event organiser before making plans. Buy your train tickets early on busy evenings.
