Council budget cuts have seen many borough’s beloved free firework displays cancelled, including at Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets, Clissold Park in Hackney and on Blackheath in Lewisham.
But all is not lost for this year’s autumn festivities. Eastlondonlines has rounded up firework events across the boroughs, as well as plenty of other ways to celebrate the season, from pumpkin carving to film screening.
Halloween Disco at Hill Station Cafe
Hill Station Cafe will be hosting their Annual Halloween Disco complete with spooky songs, hot dogs and drinks. Arrive in your scariest costume and use the cafe as a base for your trick or treating on the hill.
Hill Station Cafe will also be hosting their regular Jazz Jam on the Hill on Bonfire Night.
Where: The Hill Station, Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TW
When: Tuesday 31 October, 5-9pm
Cost: Free
Find out more/book: https://hillstationcafe.co.uk/live-events-%26-hire
Halloween Arts and Crafts at Crofton Park Library
Join Crofton Park Library for some seasonally spooky arts with 3D witches, spiders and webs and lanterns. Ages 5+
Where: Croydon Park Library, 375 Brockley Road, SE4 2AG
When: Tuesday 31 October, 2-5pm
Cost: Donations welcome
Find out more/book: https://www.croftonparklibrary.org.uk/events/spooky-halloween-workshop-for-children-5-years-p4jka
Pumpkin Lanterns Light Up at Curve Garden
Catch this amazing display of carved jack o lanterns from now until Halloween night and grab a hot drink from the Garden’s cafe/bar to warm your hands!
Where: Dalston Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Ln, E8 3DF
When: 25 – 31 October, 5-10pm
Cost: Free
Find out more/book: https://dalstongarden.org/carve-a-pumpkin-for-display-in-the-garden/
Hackney Hauntings – Spooky Tales with Hackney Archives
Join The Friends of Hackney Archives as they tell some spooky tales of Hackney. Hear about the many spiritualists who called Hackney home, the ghostly nurse at the Mothers Hospital and exorcisms in Stuart times. “The history of Hackney isn’t a trick, but a treat.“
Where: Hackney Archives, Dalston Square, E8 3BQ
When: Tuesday 31 October, 6:30pm
Cost: Free
Find out more/book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hackney-history-talk-hackney-hauntings-a-spooky-halloween-event-tickets-732698830927?aff=oddtdtcreator
Beckenham Fireworks in the Park
Beckenham Fireworks in the Park is a family-friendly fireworks display that has been running since 1946. There is a quieter display at 6pm with fireworks for smaller children – with some small bangs – and the main firework display at 7.45pm. Both displays are set to music. With a funfair and over 20 food stalls there is something for everybody.
Where: 319 Croydon Rd, Beckenham
When: Saturday 4 November
Cost: Adult £15, Child £5, Under 5s Free
Find out more/book: https://beckenhamfireworks.com/
Coulsdon’s Trick or Treat 2023
Join the Couldson Community Partnership for a series of Halloween surprises for all ages including a trick or treating trail, costume contest and raffle!
Where: 160 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2NE
When: Tuesday 31 October, Daytime Trail: 4 – 6pm, Night Haunt: 6 – 8pm
Cost: Child £6, Adult £1 suggested donation
Find out more/book:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coulsdons-trick-or-treat-2023-tickets-528320941157
Waltham Forest Light Show
Many residents are feeling the loss of Victoria Park’s famous annual fireworks display. Waltham Forest is now one of the closest spots for Tower Hamlets and Hackney residents to catch some luminous festive action. Join thousands of guests to see the Grade II Town Hall building illuminated with lights, projections, and fire effects backed by an original musical performance.
Where: Fellowship Square, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF
When: 3, 4 and 5 November, two shows a day.
Cost: Adult £8.50, Child £5, Families £17 (plus fees)
Find out more/book: https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/events/waltham-forest-light-show-spectacular
Halloween Film Screenings at Genesis Cinema
Catch a screening of the classic 1976 horror, Carrie, or dark zombie filled comedy One Cut of the Dead, for a truly scary Halloween evening.
Where: Genesis Cinema, 93-95 Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, London E1 4UJ
When: 31 October, 6:40pm (One Cut of the Dead), 8:45pm (Carrie)
Cost: £6
Find out more/book: https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/events–seasons/
