Hexham Firework display 2026
If you’re staying with us in early November, the Hexham fireworks 2026 display is well worth planning your evening around.
With the Abbey as a backdrop and the chance to have something to eat in town beforehand, there’s plenty to make an evening of it. Whilst the event is free to attend, visitors are kindly asked to donate via the donation buckets on the night as this helps to fund the following year’s event. It takes place on the Saturday rather than Bonfire Night itself, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when planning your stay.
We’ve brought together the practical details, including parking, places to eat beforehand and a few other displays nearby, along with some things to consider if you’re bringing your dog on holiday.
Hexham Fireworks on the Sele – Saturday 7th November
Hexham Fireworks 2026 takes place on Saturday 7th November at 7pm on the Sele – the open, grassy park that sits just behind Hexham Abbey. It’s organised by Hexham Town Council with the support of Hexham Rotary Club and Tynedale Lions, and it’s a real community event – with thousands of people attending.
Entry is free, but volunteers collect donations on the night to help fund next year’s display, so it’s worth having a little cash in your pocket.
The full programme for the evening hasn’t been published yet, so keep an eye on the Town Council’s website for the latest details before you head out (we’ve put a link to the Town Council below).
Getting There and Parking
The good news is that Hexham’s council car parks are free to use. Some require a parking disc during the day, but these restrictions generally finish at 6pm, so visitors arriving after that shouldn’t need one. It’s always worth checking the signs where you park, particularly if you’re arriving earlier to have a look around or something to eat before the fireworks.
There’s no event parking at the Sele itself, so the best options are Wentworth car park (use the white long-stay bays, which have no time limit) or Tyne Green car park, which is also all-day and free.
From Wentworth, the walk up to the Sele takes around five minutes, but it is a steep hill, so allow a little extra time if you have young children or anyone who’d prefer to take it slowly. Expect the town to be busy, and arrive in good time to get a space.
If you’re staying at Hexham House or one of our cottages in the town, such as Seal Cottage, which sits close to Sele Park, or The Candlemakers, you’ll be able to leave the car behind altogether and stroll over.
For guests staying further down the Tyne Valley, the train is an easy option. Hexham station is around a ten-minute walk from the Sele, and trains run back towards Corbridge and Newcastle and west towards Carlisle into the late evening – just check the Northern timetable for the latest times before you travel.
Accessibility
The Sele is an open grassy park, so in November it’s likely to be soft and muddy underfoot – sturdy boots or wellies are a good idea, and pushchairs with larger wheels will cope better than small buggy wheels.
The walk up from Wentworth car park is steep. If that’s a concern, the route from Hexham bus station up to Beaumont Street, beside the Abbey Grounds, is more level and takes less than 10 minutes. There are public toilets in the wider park.
If you or someone in your group has particular access needs – for example, a viewing area for wheelchair users – we’d recommend contacting Hexham Town Council directly on 01434 609575 before the event, as they’ll have the latest arrangements for this year’s display.
Where to Eat Before the Fireworks
With the display starting at 7pm, an early dinner in town works perfectly – and Hexham has plenty of good options within a few minutes’ walk of the Sele. It will be a busy evening, so we’d definitely recommend booking ahead.
The Beaumont on Beaumont Street overlooks the Abbey Grounds and serves dinner from 5pm until 8.30pm, so you could eat before the fireworks and practically walk straight across to the display.
Bouchon Bistrot on Gilesgate is a popular French restaurant with a family-friendly welcome, just a short walk from the park. Booking is recommended.
The Tannery, also on Gilesgate, is a relaxed pub serving food until 9pm. It’s family-friendly and welcomes dogs too.
The Coach & Horses on Priestpopple serves pub food until 9pm, and dogs are welcome.
Other Fireworks Displays Nearby
If you’re staying a little further afield from Hexham, or fancy a different night out, there are plenty of other displays around Northumberland.
Alnwick Community Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7th November at Alnwick Town Juniors FC (Greensfield), with gates opening at 6pm and the first firework at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £4 for children aged 4–16, with under-4s free, and can be paid by cash or card on the gate. There are food trucks, a bar and a funfair too – handy if you’re staying at Abbeylands.
Bellingham Bonfire & Fireworks takes place on Sunday 8th November. For guests staying at our cottages around Bellingham and the North Tyne Valley, this could be a handy option closer to your holiday base. The display takes place at Riverdale Hall Hotel (NE48 2JT), with the bonfire lit at 5.30pm and fireworks at 6pm.
See the Bellingham Bonfire Night Facebook page for the latest event updates.
Morpeth Fireworks takes place a week earlier, on Sunday 1st November, at Morpeth RFC on Mitford Road. Gates open at 5pm with the bonfire lit at 6pm
Visit Northumberland has a round-up of displays across the county if you’d like to see what else is on.
If You've Brought the Dog
If you’re staying with us in early November and bringing your dog, it’s worth planning for fireworks as well as your days out. Dogs may hear nearby displays even if you’re not attending one yourself, and being somewhere less familiar can make a little extra preparation helpful.
The RSPCA and Dogs Trust both recommend walking your dog in daylight, before the fireworks start, and settling them indoors early. Close the curtains, put the radio or TV on to help mask the noise and create a cosy den where they can hide if they want to. Make sure doors, windows and garden gates are secure, and that your dog’s microchip details are up to date – just in case. If your dog is particularly anxious, it’s worth speaking to your vet before your holiday.
Our Tips for a Great Hexham Fireworks 2026
Park up at Wentworth in plenty of time – it’s free and the white long-stay bays have no time limit – then book an early table somewhere in town so you’re not rushing. Wear wellies or boots, as the Sele can get very muddy by November, and bring a torch for the walk back down the hill afterwards. Gloves and a hat are a must, and pop a few pounds in your pocket for the donation buckets – it all goes towards next year’s display
A Night to Remember
Bonfire Night is one of those simple traditions that never really loses its magic, and there’s something special about sharing it with a whole town under the Abbey.
Whether you join the crowds on the Sele, head to a smaller village display or simply watch from the window of your cottage with a mug of hot chocolate, we hope you have a wonderful evening.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.