As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air settles over the Cornish coast, it can only mean one thing: it’s time to wrap up warm and prepare for the spectacular return of Bonfire Night in Cornwall!

While the tradition is centred around November 5th, you can find brilliant bonfire nights and firework displays happening across Cornwall throughout the end of October and the start of November. 

From dazzling seaside pyrotechnics to cosy community-run bonfires, there are plenty of events to make your holiday a memorable one. Our guide covers some of the best places to experience a Bonfire Night in Cornwall, from Newquay to Coverack to St Ives. 

Newquay – Lappa Valley Railway

Lappa Valley offers a truly unique experience, as it is one of the few firework displays in Cornwall where you can arrive by steam train.

• Where: Lappa Valley Railway, St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX

• When: Friday 31st October & Saturday 1st of November

• What to expect: Hop aboard a nostalgic steam train and disembark at the charming 19th-century engine house for a dramatic and dazzling Cornwall fireworks display.

The show usually kicks off around 7:30 pm. The Engine Shed Cafe offers a selection of hot and cold food, snacks, and drinks, and you can pick up fun glow sticks, headbands and glasses for the kids. For the little ones, the engine shed has an indoor soft play area to enjoy before the main event.

Find out more and pre-book your tickets here.

Truro’s Grand Bonfire & Fireworks Display Cornwall

For those staying closer to the Cornish capital, the city of Truro puts on a massive annual celebration that brings together locals and visitors for an evening of spectacular pyrotechnics.

• Where: Truro Cattle Market on Newquay Road TR1 1RN (A new site this year)

• When: Thursday 6th November, gates open from 5PM

• What to expect: A huge bonfire and a professional, dazzling fireworks display, with profits going to local charities (announced nearer the event)

The festivities typically begin in the early evening, with a grand bonfire lit around 6:30 pm, followed by the fireworks display at 7pm. Refreshments are available on-site to keep you warm and fuelled.

Find out more information here. 

Coverack – A Cornwall Bonfire Night on the Beach

This is a quintessential Cornish seaside event, famous for its picturesque setting and commitment to being family-friendly.

• Where: Coverack Beach, Coverack, Helston, TR12 6TF (Approx. 60-70 minutes drive from St Ives, making it a longer but highly scenic day trip)

• When: Wednesday, 5th November, from 5PM

• What to expect:  A true celebration of a bonfire night in Cornwall, with a bonfire on the beach (lit around 5:30 p.m.) followed by low-noise fireworks at 6:30 p.m. This is ideal for families with young children or pets who prefer a quieter display. The village green will have various local food and drink stalls selling BBQ bites, pancakes, hot chocolate, and other refreshments

Find out more information here.

Helston & St. Keverne YFC’s Charity Bonfire and Fireworks Night

Come and support a great cause at the annual bonfire and fireworks event, hosted by the Young Farmers Club.

• When: Thursday 6th November, from 7PM

• Where: Helston & St. Keverne YFC, Methleigh Farm (Porthcew Dairy), Porthleven, Cornwall, TR13 9LB, (by kind permission of the Rowe family).

• What to expect: A fantastic, lively evening celebrating Guy Fawkes with a roaring bonfire, fireworks (to be set off at 8pm-ish) and refreshments including a BBQ selling hot food and a fully stocked bar. Entry is free but cash donations are very much appreciated and will go towards the YFC’s chosen charities.

Find out more information here.

Fireworks in St Ives

If you prefer to stay closer to your home-from-home, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of places to find firework displays and bonfire nights in St Ives and the local area. If you are looking to book a break to catch these events, be sure to browse our collection of Carbis Bay holiday cottages, and St Ives holiday cottages nearby.

Porthminster Beach

Experience a truly magical and intimate atmosphere at the annual St Ives fireworks display, with the sounds of the sea adding to the charm.

• Where: Porthminster Beach, St Ives

• When: Wednesday 5th November, from 5:30PM

• What to expect: This event is an annual fundraiser for St Ives Town Football Club and celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot with a bonfire, followed by fireworks and a BBQ.

• Stay Nearby:  Hunker down in a cosy cottage just a short walk from The fireworks in St Ives.

Find out more information here. 

Lelant Bonfire Night

For a cosy, local celebration just a short drive from St Ives, the Lelant event remains a firm favourite. This year, The Badger Inn is combining the best of both worlds with a special Halloween Bonfire Night!

• Where: The Badger Inn, Fore Street, Lelant, St Ives TR26 3JT

• When: 31st October 2025 from 6PM

• What to expect: You can expect a brilliant night of thrills, including a bonfire and traditional Cornwall fireworks display, but with the added fun of a fancy dress competition for all the ‘grizzly ghouls and guests’.

• Stay Nearby: After a magical night out, there’s nothing better than returning to a cosy base. Why not stay nearby in one of our Carbis Bay cottages or St Ives holiday homes. 

Live music from DJ Phil Greet will keep the party atmosphere going. The event usually features an outdoor BBQ and mulled cider to keep you warm, with a small entry fee of £2 going to the Children’s Hospice South West. It’s the perfect pre-Halloween, post-fireworks boogie, just moments from your cottage door!

Find out more information here.

Hayle Cricket Club Firework Extravaganza

Just a short distance from St Ives, this brilliant community event rivals any bonfire night in Cornwall, and is hugely popular with local families.

• Where: Hayle Cricket Club, Riviere Towans, Phillack, TR27 5AF (Very close to Hayle and the A30)

• When: Saturday 8th November, from 6PM

• What to expect: A fantastic Cornwall bonfire night and firework display, multiple bars, BBQs and food vendors, glow products, and even a bouncy castle for the kids. Entry is typically by cash donation on the gate to ensure the event continues for the community.

• Stay Nearby: Hayle Cricket Club is a short drive away from our beautiful properties, offering the perfect retreat for your Bonfire Night break. View our selection of Carbis Bay holiday homes or browse our main collection of St Ives cottages to find your perfect spot. 

Find out more information here.

Plan your trip with The Cottage Boutique

Ready to experience a spectacular Bonfire Night in Cornwall? The winter season is a wonderful time to visit the coast, offering stunning scenery, quiet beaches, and cosy pubs. Start planning your perfect getaway today!

Browse our beautiful collection of St Ives holiday cottages and get in touch with the friendly local team at The Cottage Boutique to start planning your next trip.