A UK holiday countdown
Bonfire Night is getting closer.
Bonfire Night falls on 5th November. It remembers the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, and is often marked with bonfires and fireworks across the UK.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Bonfire Night in the UK
The Gunpowder Plot was uncovered in 1605 before it could destroy Parliament. Bonfire Night is also known as Guy Fawkes Night.
About Bonfire Night
An Act of Parliament passed in 1606 ordered an annual day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure, and that law stayed in force for over two centuries. Effigies were burned on the bonfires, and children still ask for a penny for the guy in some places. Treacle toffee, parkin and baked potatoes are traditional food, while Lewes in Sussex stages Britain's most famous processions.
When is Bonfire Night?
The date is fixed on 5 November every year, so it moves between weekdays and weekends rather than being tied to a particular day of the week.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Thursday 5 November 2026 | Friday 5 November 2027 | Sunday 5 November 2028 |
Planning around Bonfire Night
Large organised displays often sell tickets weeks ahead, so book early, and keep pets indoors with curtains drawn because sudden bangs can distress dogs, cats and horses. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Bonfire Night questions
How many days until Bonfire Night?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Bonfire Night, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Bonfire Night in 2027?
Bonfire Night falls on Friday 5 November 2027 in the United Kingdom.
Is Bonfire Night a public holiday in the UK?
No. Bonfire Night is a widely observed evening tradition rather than a bank or public holiday, so schools and workplaces open as normal. Most celebrations are held on the nearest weekend or on the night itself.