Bonfire Night is here, with a host of firework displays taking place across Dorset this week.
One of the biggest celebrations will be in Weymouth, where thousands are expected to head to the seafront this evening.
Weymouth Town Council’s annual Guy Fawkes Night will feature a new attraction for 2026, with a drone display taking place over the bay for the first time.
The evening gets under way at 5pm, when food and drink traders and charity stalls open along the promenade, while funfair rides will operate around the Jubilee Clock until 9.30pm.
The drone display will begin at 7.15pm and will recreate some of Weymouth’s best-known sights in lights above the bay.
The traditional beach bonfire will then be lit at 7.40pm, followed by the main firework display at 8pm.
Fireworks will be launched from a boat in Weymouth Bay and should be visible from a number of locations along the seafront.
The event is free, while those unable to make it into town can watch a livestream on Weymouth Town Council’s Facebook page.
Visitors are being urged to arrive early and, where possible, walk, cycle, use public transport or lift share, with the town centre and car parks expected to be busy.
Part of Dorchester Road will also be closed due to SGN gas-main works, while First Bus is providing additional services on routes 1, 2 and 10.
Dorchester Rugby Club is holding its display on Thursday, November 5. Gates open at 5.30pm ahead of fireworks at 7.30pm.
Admission on the gate is £7 for adults, £5 for children aged five to 16, or £20 for a family of four.
The Upwey Society will hold its annual display at West Farm in Bincombe on Saturday, November 7.
Gates open at 6.30pm, with fireworks beginning at 7.30pm and an extended finale promised. Admission costs £7 for adults and £3 for children, with food, sweets and drinks also available.
Visitors are being encouraged to share cars or use public transport as parking at the site and on surrounding roads is limited.
Also taking place on Saturday, November 7, is a community firework display in Abbotsbury.
The event starts at 6pm at the village car park and the Swan Inn, with a barbecue and stalls ahead of fireworks at 7pm. Money raised will support local good causes.
A bonfire and fireworks evening in the grounds of Melbury House will take place on Friday, November 6.
Gates open at 6pm and the fireworks begin at 7pm, with a barbecue and refreshments also available. Tickets are being sold through the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens online booking system.
Fireworks will also light up Lyme Regis harbour on Saturday, November 7, with the display scheduled to begin at 6.30pm from Marine Parade. The event is free, although cash donations will be collected.
In Purbeck, Wareham Wednesdays Fireworks and Bonfire Night takes place at Wareham Recreation Ground on Friday, November 6.
Gates open at 6pm and the fireworks are scheduled for 8.30pm.
The evening will also feature live music, food and drink stalls, children’s funfair rides and an autumn-themed fancy-dress competition.
Admission is £5 for people aged 16 and over and £3 for children aged five to 15, while under-fives can enter free. Free parking will be available at The Purbeck School.
In north Dorset, Lore of the Sky Fireworks Nights will be held at Compton Abbas Airfield, near Shaftesbury, on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7.
Gates open at 5.30pm, with live fire performances by The Inferno Sisters followed by a display from Euphoria Pyrotechnics. Food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, face painting and glow toys will also be available.
Tickets cost £45 per vehicle and cover up to seven occupants. Saturday’s event is sold out, according to the venue, but advance booking is still strongly recommended for Friday.
Visitors cannot enter on foot and dogs are not permitted.
People planning to attend any of the events are advised to check organisers’ websites and social media pages before travelling in case weather or other circumstances lead to late changes.
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