Every Friday night through the summer holidays, a free firework display lights up the sky above Bournemouth Pier. It is a much-loved seafront tradition that rounds off the working week and marks the start of the weekend by the sea.
When and where
The displays run weekly from late July into the final week of August, launching after dusk from the pier. Views are good all along the promenade and up on the clifftops, with the beach either side of the pier a natural gathering point as the light fades.
Making a night of it
Arrive early and settle in with a takeaway or a picnic on Bournemouth Beach. Many visitors combine the fireworks with an evening stroll through the Lower Gardens or a bite along the seafront before finding a spot to watch.
Good to know
The display is free and there is no ticket or booking. It goes ahead in most conditions, though very high winds can occasionally cause a display to be held back on safety grounds. The seafront gets busy, so allow extra time for parking and consider walking in from the town centre.
Dates & times
- Every Friday, 24 Jul – 28 Aug 2026, after dusk