Back in November 1936, Alexandra Palace made history when it sent the world’s very first regular high-definition television transmission from its tall Victorian transmitter mast. Fast forward exactly 90 years, and London’s iconic Ally Pally is once again transforming into a giant visual experience. Except this time around, the sky itself is the canvas.
Get ready for the most mesmerising show this autumn. Returning to the hill overlooking the capital on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, the venue is expanding its legendary Guy Fawkes celebrations into the all-new Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival.
Instead of a standard one-hour pyrotechnic show, this weekend edition blends aerial technology, panoramic views of the illuminated London, seasonal food, and festival entertainment across two days.
Here is everything you need to know about what is shaping up to be London’s biggest autumn celebration.
Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival
7 November 2026 16:00 + more dates
Alexandra Palace
What can you expect at the Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival?
The festival’s centrepiece is a spectacular sky performance combining thousands of captivating fireworks with swarms of synchronised drones. The drones move in formation across the dark sky, weaving luminous figures and patterns before giving way to classic, booming pyrotechnics.
Beyond the sky display, the surrounding palace grounds and indoor halls come alive with festival energy. Guests can dive into the indoor German Bier Festival inside the Great Hall to enjoy Bavarian steins, hot bratwurst, and live music headlined by a Queen tribute band.
Down at the indoor ice rink, you can also strap on skates for 45-minute disco sessions soundtracked by resident DJs. Outside, a towering bonfire keeps the night warm, surrounded by vintage funfair rides, midway games, hot street food stalls, artisan cocktails, craft beer, and steaming cups of mulled wine. A night to remember.
Saturday party night vs Sunday family fun
Saturday, November 7, from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, expect the main sky show scheduled for 8:00 PM. This evening is tailored for adults, groups, and late-night festival lovers, featuring big party energy and a headline open-air DJ set from electronic dance music titan Eats Everything. Perfect time to gather your mates for some well-deserved fun.
Bringing the kids? Sunday, November 8 shifts to a relaxed, family-centric mood, running from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Capacity across the grounds is reduced to ensure plenty of breathing room, and the drone and fireworks show launches earlier at 6:00 PM so younger guests do not stay out too late. The family programme features marshmallow toasting, the Junior Jungle Kids’ Rave, and a live karaoke session with EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson during his cult-favourite Barrioke show.
Where and when will the festival take place?
The event takes place at Alexandra Palace Park along Alexandra Palace Way in North London (N22 7AY). The grounds are easily accessible by public transport via Alexandra Palace Rail Station on the Great Northern line or Wood Green Station on the Piccadilly line, with the W3 bus ferrying visitors directly up the hill to the palace gates.
General admission tickets start from £18.00 for adults, £13.50 for youths aged 11 to 15, and £5.00 for children aged 10 and under. Additional experiences, including ice skating sessions and German Bier Festival wristbands, can be added during checkout.
Everything you need to know
Dates: Saturday, November 7 and Sunday 8 2026
Gates open: 4:00 pm on both days (Saturday closes at 10:30 pm; Sunday closes at 8:30 pm)
Main display: Saturday at 8:00 pm; Sunday at 6:00 pm
Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY (nearest stations: Alexandra Palace Rail or Wood Green Tube via the W3 bus)
Tickets: From £5, book your Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival tickets here
Grab your mates, get through the gates early for a hot bratwurst, and find your spot along the hill before the first drones take flight.
It’s the kind of evening that delivers far bigger thrills than a standard Bonfire Night, and on London’s most legendary hilltop viewpoint, that’s saying something.
