TL;DR: Join us for Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford! A magical, family-friendly Guy Fawkes Night hosted on our historic airfield on 5 November 2026, from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Tickets start at £15 for adults, £10 for children, and under-5s go free! Book your spot today on our official event page.
When is Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford on in 2026?
Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford takes place on 5 November 2026, with doors opening at 4:30pm and festivities running until 8:00pm. Alongside the stunning fireworks display, you and your family can enjoy exciting fairground rides, delicious food stalls, and thrilling aircraft engine runs!
The event runs throughout the evening, so we recommend arriving early to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all the fun activities before the main fireworks show begins.
The FIDO display takes place before the fireworks. However, the individual times for the engine runs, aircraft tours or other activities are TBC.
To book tickets and keep up to date with the schedule, pop over to the official Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford page. Be sure to check the latest arrival tips before setting off so you don’t miss a moment of the action!
For families, the useful distinction is between the event opening and the main display. You can plan an evening around the activities, but the available details do not confirm how long each one lasts.
If your children usually eat before an evening outing, consider keeping that routine before you leave. Alternatively, food stalls are listed, although menus and serving times have not been supplied.
Where can families find a Bonfire Night event near Cambridge?
For families looking for a Bonfire Night event near Cambridge, this display takes place at IWM Duxford. The fireworks use the historic airfield as their setting, with aircraft activities forming part of the evening.
That aviation element gives you something specific to weigh up when choosing a local display. Children interested in aircraft can see engine runs, while the FIDO demonstration introduces a piece of wartime airfield history.
However, do not assume that arrangements for an ordinary museum visit apply to the fireworks evening. The supplied information does not confirm event parking, public transport arrangements or which entrance visitors should use.
Check your route and event-specific arrival instructions before setting off. If you are meeting another family, agree where to meet once the venue has confirmed the visitor arrangements.
It is also worth planning the journey home before choosing your tickets. With children, knowing your return route can make the end of an outdoor evening easier, especially when everyone is tired.
If you are comparing this outing with other family plans, you can browse our tickets for more days out. For this particular event, use the venue’s own booking information rather than assuming ordinary attraction admission covers it.
Is Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford suitable for young children?
Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford warmly welcomes visitors of all ages, and little ones under 5 attend for free! Designed with families in mind, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, from funfair rides and yummy food stalls to awe-inspiring aircraft displayswarmly welcomes visitors of all ages, and little ones under 5 attend for free! Designed with families in mind, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, from funfair rides and yummy food stalls to awe-inspiring aircraft displays.
However, being open to young children does not mean every child will enjoy every activity. Fireworks and aircraft engine runs are important considerations if your child finds loud sounds difficult.
When comparing Bonfire Night events for kids, start with your child’s comfort rather than the number of activities. Their response to noise, darkness and a change to their usual routine matters more than seeing everything.
Help children know what to expect
- Explain that the evening includes fireworks, aircraft engine runs and a display involving flames.
- Consider suitable ear defenders if your child is sensitive to noise.
- Choose the activities your family most wants to see instead of trying to fit in everything.
- Be prepared to leave if your child becomes uncomfortable, even if the programme is still running.
- Check any fairground ride restrictions before promising a particular ride.
The supplied details do not list ride age or height restrictions. They also do not confirm buggy arrangements, accessible viewing or a quiet space, so ask the venue about anything your family needs.
For a first fireworks outing, talk through the plan before you travel. Let children know they can tell you if they need a break, rather than feeling they have to stay for every activity.
Does Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford fall during half term?
The event date is 5 November 2026. The supplied information does not include school holiday dates, so we cannot confirm whether it falls during your child’s half term.
If you are planning a Bonfire Night outing around half term, compare the event date with your school’s published calendar. Do not assume that a fireworks event is part of the school holidays.
Also check what your family has planned the following day. The event runs until 8pm, and your journey home will come after whichever part of the programme you choose to watch.
If it falls outside your holiday, think about how the outing fits around school, dinner and bedtime. A simpler evening may suit your family better than trying to include every activity.
If it does fall within your break, the aircraft activities offer more to consider than the fireworks alone. However, the event information does not establish daytime admission or earlier access for standard ticket holders.
Keep the confirmed evening hours separate from any wider half-term plans. Only the photography package has a specified earlier entry time in the supplied details.
How much are tickets for Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford?
Adult tickets start at £15 and children’s tickets start at £10. Under-5s attend free, while a photography package is listed at £100.
| Ticket or package | Listed price |
| Adult | From £15 |
| Child | From £10 |
| Under-5 | Free |
| Photography package | £100 |
Ticket prices start from the rates listed above. Be sure to review your full booking details before finalizing your purchase.
The supplied information does not define the full child ticket age range beyond the free under-5 category. It also does not say whether under-5s need a free ticket reserved.
Fairground rides and food stalls are listed, but their prices and inclusion in admission are not confirmed. Keep those possible extras in mind when deciding on your family budget.
What the photography package includes
The £100 photography package gives holders early access from 4pm and a priority viewing area. It also includes airside access for the aircraft engine runs.
In addition, package holders get the Duxford in a different light event in Hangar 1. Aircraft will be illuminated with coloured lights for photography.
This package is worth considering if aircraft photography is a main reason for your visit. However, the supplied details do not explain whether £100 is a standalone admission price or an additional charge.
Check those terms, along with arrangements for anyone accompanying the photographer, before booking. Do not assume that the package’s viewing area or airside access extends to the rest of your group.
What can families see and do before the fireworks?
There is so much to see and do before the main display! Families can explore exciting fairground rides, grab tasty treats from various food stalls, experience aircraft engine runs, and wander through Hangars 1 and 2.
However, the supplied details do not specify which aircraft tours are available or how to join them. Check the programme before promising a particular aircraft experience to an enthusiastic child.
The engine runs take place on the airfield. These are engine demonstrations, so do not describe them to children as a flying display.
The FIDO display explained
Before the main fireworks light up the sky, enjoy a spectacular historic demonstration of FIDO (Britain’s Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation), which was used during World War II to clear fogged airfields for safe landings.
It worked by warming the air over the runway and dispersing the fog. This helped heavy bombers returning from raids make a safe landing.
For this display, the Aircraft Restoration Company’s Bristol Blenheim Mk IF will be framed by FIDO flames on the runway. The event information describes it as a recreation of the wartime system.
For children, a simple explanation is that crews used heat to help pilots see a fog-covered runway. That gives the demonstration some context without needing a detailed history lesson.
Meanwhile, the fairground rides and food stalls offer other ways to spend the evening. Choose a few priorities together, then leave room to adjust your plans around the confirmed programme.
What should families pack for Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford?
Pack for an outdoor evening on an airfield, checking the forecast before you leave. Warm layers and weather protection are practical choices, but follow any event rules about what visitors may bring.
- Warm layers, with hats and gloves if the forecast calls for them.
- Waterproof outerwear for wet weather.
- Comfortable footwear suitable for spending time outdoors.
- Suitable ear defenders for children who need help managing loud sounds.
- Your booking confirmation in the format requested by the venue.
- A charged phone for travel information and keeping in touch with your group.
- Any essential medication or personal care items your family needs.
Before packing snacks or drinks, check the venue’s rules on bringing your own. Food stalls are confirmed, but menus and dietary options are not included in the supplied information.
If someone in your family has a food allergy or access requirement, contact the venue before booking. Getting a specific answer is more useful than relying on general descriptions of a family event.
Finally, keep tickets and essential items easy to reach rather than buried at the bottom of a bag. Agree a simple plan with your group for staying together and deciding when to head home.
For more family outing ideas beyond Bonfire Night, you can sign up to our newsletter. For this visit, focus on the confirmed programme, your children’s comfort and the latest instructions from IWM Duxford.
Frequently asked questions
When is Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford in 2026?
Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford is on 5 November 2026, running from 4.30pm to 8pm. The programme includes fairground rides, food stalls, and aircraft engine runs alongside the fireworks display.
How much do tickets cost for Fireworks Night at IWM Duxford?
Adult tickets start at £15, and children’s tickets start at £10. Under-5s can attend free of charge. A photography package is also available for £100.
What activities are available before the fireworks display?
Before the fireworks, the evening programme includes fairground rides, food stalls, aircraft tours, and engine runs. Hangars 1 and 2 will also be open for families to explore.
Does the event fall during half term in 2026?
The event date is 5 November 2026. The provided information does not include school holiday dates, so you should compare this date with your school’s published calendar.