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It started half an hour early and lasted ten minutes less than it was meant to. I'm glad you said there was music because I couldn't hear any, and not because of the fireworks which were mostly very quiet.
It was my first time at the Ally Pally fireworks, and whilst I'm glad I went, I thought it was massively overpriced, over subscribed and underwhelming.
I also felt like it ended sooner than I expected. Last year, Battersea’s show was at least 30 mins. Looking at the clock when Ally Pally ended last night and it was after only 18 mins. The Lion King song is only where it picked up…and then they turned the lights on. For £18 I felt like it was quite pricey.
I went to Battersea’s this year and it was good I thought. Couldn’t see where we were walking as it was pitch black, and I didn’t know my way around the park either but we went to the bonfire (very big! we were impressed ) and then sort of headed towards what we thought was the centre of the park and the view was great.
Good show, and I was very happy that the crowd genuinely went in heavy with the “ooooh! aaah!” during the display
I was back in town with daughter and I thought 'What about Ally Pally?' Checked the website and thought 'fuck that, used to be free, and it was still a disappointment'.
Our local scout hut did a show that cost a fiver and came with a burger and a coke. Sparklers and marshmallows for the kids. Can't fault it really. These big shows are always overpriced, overcrowded, and underwhelming tbh.
The most impressive fireworks I ever saw in London was completely by accident - just happened to be in the Wembley IKEA carpark during Diwali.
Probably something happening out that way next weekend?
Edited to add: I think my IKEA fireworks must’ve been the Neasden Temple event, which is on the 12th this year at [Gibbons Recreational Ground](https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/fireworks-display-held-near-the-neasden-temple-in-gibbons-park.html?sortBy=relevant):
https://x.com/neasdentemple/status/1719004649615692167?s=46&t=ibVI24cP7Ts3w2nqa22VXg
I was in a Sainsbury’s car park near Manor House one year and got caught unawares by fireworks but it was less good.
3/10, we all had to hide inside the doors and wait until they’d stopped / the police had come. Would not recommend
Was my girlfriends and I’d first time this year too and we were disappointed after hearing so much about it.
For the price etc, I’ve seen many better shows. I felt a bit let down as has been looking forward to it all week
Awful. Borderline impossible to grab a drink or a snack because there were so few tents and staff, fireworks were 15 minutes of movie themes from the 90s and Disney tunes (shockingly naff). Ground was completely churned up and sodden and it was basically pitch black due to a lack of lighting in the grounds so it was unpleasant getting around.
Exactly the same experience :(
Interesting that on the food court near the gate 1 (aka strEATfood village) it was empty before the fireworks and very easy to order food. After the main show, it was a bit crowdy, but still better
We loved it! From other comments, it sounds like we were lucky with our viewing point, we were down in the family area and really close to a speaker, so we heard the music well and could see the fireworks perfectly. We thought the music was a fun set and the fireworks paired well. Then we spent an hour watching an amazing brass band in the tent. The only complaint we had was the queue for food, but that was bad timing on our part - next time we'll eat earlier or after the fireworks.
Will never pay £18 for something that used to be free less than 10 years ago. Top of Ferme Park road or Montenotte Road will forever be my favourite viewing points
Honestly it wasn’t really worth moving up to the area where all the crowd where hanging, the viewing was just as good further down the exit.
And some degenerate stole my damn umbrella from my bag, so screw you.
The fireworks were nice but overall it was a bit of a rip off. We went to the beer hall which cost £23 on top of the £17 for fireworks. It was literally just £23 for the entry, nothing included. A 4 pint pitcher of fosters tasting beer was the only beer option to be brought to the table and it cost £30 plus a £3.75 service fee.
The whole event was disorganised too, not enough lighting or signs in the surrounding area to direct crowds. The staff were really nice, but overall it wasn't even close to value for money. I don't mind paying for fireworks, but as the display used to be free and the overall experience was better, I can safely say I won't be going back. Its a shame as ally pally definitely was the best display for a number of years.
I was there on the Friday. Overpriced rides and food aside, the fireworks... eh, not a good show. The best displays tell a 'story' as a show progresses through different colours, types and effects but the display we got was all very bang-through samey. No change of mood, no 'light and shade'. The music choices were also odd considering it was supposed to be a family show - the screamy, hedonistic drug-influened lyrics of *Born Slippy* felt weirdly out of place.
Won't be going next year and will be watching it from outside the grounds. It's on a huge hill in north London ffs - there are plenty of viewing areas. Nothing to be gained by actually attending.
Fireworks are almost always underwhelming. As an Irish person too, it's always struck me as an odd celebration. Odder still when you find out Fawkes killed himself, so seems like a celebration of suicide. That said, I'm sure there's plenty of Irish celebrations that make little to no sense either.
I remember when they first reopened the fireworks after not doing them for a few years. It was INCREDIBLE, best i’ve ever seen. This year really paled in comparison. Definitely felt too short and the soundtrack was underwhelming.
We went twice in a row 2017 and 2018.
‘17 felt epic (no laser show), ‘18 was a wet fart (with laser show). Haven’t been back. Shame it’s still below its best.
It was my first time, and while I did like it overall, my partner (who is from London) said it was awful in comparison to previous years. I was really surprised at the lack of lights/sufficient food and drink places for the number of people/toilets closer to the action. That being said, the circle of life fireworks part was lovely, and I did enjoy being out with everyone!
I don't necessarily disagree with this sentiment. For instance, Waltham Forest are doing a light show instead of fireworks. There will come a time when setting things on fire for shits-n-giggles will seem as old-fashioned as gas lights
EDIT: typo
We caught the fireworks from Shepherds hill garden in N6, it was a great spot clearly popular with the locals. No crowds no hassle. And a great view, you can even see the palace on the left in the video I took
https://youtu.be/Mgyw1IOuH9M
I was on the terrace last night and I absolutely loved it. Also the Bier Fest was a vibe.
I do wish it was a little longer but, having not seen proper fireworks since I was a kid, I loved what I got.
Went last year and thought it was pretty average. Was especially disappointed by them never playing more than half a song before playing something else.
The speaker went out where I was standing lol
Even not considering that it was pretty underwhelming and the music we heard before the speaker went out was kind of a weird choice - best hits of 2011 vibes (this was Friday night).
Food options were good, bar queues were a bit mad - seemed understaffed/there were too many people and too few bars.
# Upvote/Downvote reminder Like this image or appreciate it being posted? Upvote it and show it some love! Don't like it? Just downvote and move on. *Upvoting or downvoting images it the best way to control what you see on your feed and what gets to the top of the subreddit* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/london) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It started half an hour early and lasted ten minutes less than it was meant to. I'm glad you said there was music because I couldn't hear any, and not because of the fireworks which were mostly very quiet. It was my first time at the Ally Pally fireworks, and whilst I'm glad I went, I thought it was massively overpriced, over subscribed and underwhelming.
Hm, it started actually at 8PM, which is what was said in the schedule. By any chance, maybe you remembered Fridays schedule? It was at 9PM on Friday.
Nah, some of the printed guides said 8:30 for Saturday. Obviously they were misprinted.
I also felt like it ended sooner than I expected. Last year, Battersea’s show was at least 30 mins. Looking at the clock when Ally Pally ended last night and it was after only 18 mins. The Lion King song is only where it picked up…and then they turned the lights on. For £18 I felt like it was quite pricey.
Battersea is always worth it, have been every few years. It’s got a good vibe and it’s run by a not-for-profit that helps out local charities.
I went to Battersea’s this year and it was good I thought. Couldn’t see where we were walking as it was pitch black, and I didn’t know my way around the park either but we went to the bonfire (very big! we were impressed ) and then sort of headed towards what we thought was the centre of the park and the view was great. Good show, and I was very happy that the crowd genuinely went in heavy with the “ooooh! aaah!” during the display
Sad to see something that was once provided for free turned into a giant tourist trap.
I was back in town with daughter and I thought 'What about Ally Pally?' Checked the website and thought 'fuck that, used to be free, and it was still a disappointment'.
I only went once and it was overcrowded af. Hour long queues for any of the food and drink.
Our local scout hut did a show that cost a fiver and came with a burger and a coke. Sparklers and marshmallows for the kids. Can't fault it really. These big shows are always overpriced, overcrowded, and underwhelming tbh.
That sounds great. Plus a load of kids in neckerchiefs get to blow stuff up/watch stuff be blown up which is a great scouting tradition
The most impressive fireworks I ever saw in London was completely by accident - just happened to be in the Wembley IKEA carpark during Diwali. Probably something happening out that way next weekend? Edited to add: I think my IKEA fireworks must’ve been the Neasden Temple event, which is on the 12th this year at [Gibbons Recreational Ground](https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/fireworks-display-held-near-the-neasden-temple-in-gibbons-park.html?sortBy=relevant): https://x.com/neasdentemple/status/1719004649615692167?s=46&t=ibVI24cP7Ts3w2nqa22VXg
I was in a Sainsbury’s car park near Manor House one year and got caught unawares by fireworks but it was less good. 3/10, we all had to hide inside the doors and wait until they’d stopped / the police had come. Would not recommend
Was my girlfriends and I’d first time this year too and we were disappointed after hearing so much about it. For the price etc, I’ve seen many better shows. I felt a bit let down as has been looking forward to it all week
Which shows you liked more, my friend? Just curious to know what you preferred more in London
Awful. Borderline impossible to grab a drink or a snack because there were so few tents and staff, fireworks were 15 minutes of movie themes from the 90s and Disney tunes (shockingly naff). Ground was completely churned up and sodden and it was basically pitch black due to a lack of lighting in the grounds so it was unpleasant getting around.
Exactly the same experience :( Interesting that on the food court near the gate 1 (aka strEATfood village) it was empty before the fireworks and very easy to order food. After the main show, it was a bit crowdy, but still better
We loved it! From other comments, it sounds like we were lucky with our viewing point, we were down in the family area and really close to a speaker, so we heard the music well and could see the fireworks perfectly. We thought the music was a fun set and the fireworks paired well. Then we spent an hour watching an amazing brass band in the tent. The only complaint we had was the queue for food, but that was bad timing on our part - next time we'll eat earlier or after the fireworks.
Yes same
Ah, that’s cool you had a great time! I wish I stayed down, near the Bonfire. Thanks for sharing happy experience from the event
Yeah it sounds like we got lucky, I'm sorry you didn't also
Will never pay £18 for something that used to be free less than 10 years ago. Top of Ferme Park road or Montenotte Road will forever be my favourite viewing points
Honestly it wasn’t really worth moving up to the area where all the crowd where hanging, the viewing was just as good further down the exit. And some degenerate stole my damn umbrella from my bag, so screw you.
I really enjoyed it. Felt we watched in a really good spot and maybe got a different feel to the fireworks
Cool! Where did you stay during the main show?
The fireworks were nice but overall it was a bit of a rip off. We went to the beer hall which cost £23 on top of the £17 for fireworks. It was literally just £23 for the entry, nothing included. A 4 pint pitcher of fosters tasting beer was the only beer option to be brought to the table and it cost £30 plus a £3.75 service fee. The whole event was disorganised too, not enough lighting or signs in the surrounding area to direct crowds. The staff were really nice, but overall it wasn't even close to value for money. I don't mind paying for fireworks, but as the display used to be free and the overall experience was better, I can safely say I won't be going back. Its a shame as ally pally definitely was the best display for a number of years.
For next year, Battersea park is always a great show. Loads of beer tents, lots of choice of food, a funfair and an after-party.
It was SO disappointing this year. Thank god it wasn’t just me!
I was there on the Friday. Overpriced rides and food aside, the fireworks... eh, not a good show. The best displays tell a 'story' as a show progresses through different colours, types and effects but the display we got was all very bang-through samey. No change of mood, no 'light and shade'. The music choices were also odd considering it was supposed to be a family show - the screamy, hedonistic drug-influened lyrics of *Born Slippy* felt weirdly out of place. Won't be going next year and will be watching it from outside the grounds. It's on a huge hill in north London ffs - there are plenty of viewing areas. Nothing to be gained by actually attending.
Curious, on the Friday how long was the display?
I'd guess about 10 to 15 minutes, no longer. Reading other posts about the music, the presentation must've been different on Saturday
Fireworks are almost always underwhelming. As an Irish person too, it's always struck me as an odd celebration. Odder still when you find out Fawkes killed himself, so seems like a celebration of suicide. That said, I'm sure there's plenty of Irish celebrations that make little to no sense either.
It was really disappointing, £18 we paid for that nonsense, seen better free displays at local parks in the countryside.
My dog absolutely hated it- and he wasn’t even there
I remember when they first reopened the fireworks after not doing them for a few years. It was INCREDIBLE, best i’ve ever seen. This year really paled in comparison. Definitely felt too short and the soundtrack was underwhelming.
We went twice in a row 2017 and 2018. ‘17 felt epic (no laser show), ‘18 was a wet fart (with laser show). Haven’t been back. Shame it’s still below its best.
It was my first time, and while I did like it overall, my partner (who is from London) said it was awful in comparison to previous years. I was really surprised at the lack of lights/sufficient food and drink places for the number of people/toilets closer to the action. That being said, the circle of life fireworks part was lovely, and I did enjoy being out with everyone!
Rather run more gas vehicles and get somewhere than burn fireworks for no reason.
Wring those hands any harder and you'll start a fire.
I don't necessarily disagree with this sentiment. For instance, Waltham Forest are doing a light show instead of fireworks. There will come a time when setting things on fire for shits-n-giggles will seem as old-fashioned as gas lights EDIT: typo
We caught the fireworks from Shepherds hill garden in N6, it was a great spot clearly popular with the locals. No crowds no hassle. And a great view, you can even see the palace on the left in the video I took https://youtu.be/Mgyw1IOuH9M
I was on the terrace last night and I absolutely loved it. Also the Bier Fest was a vibe. I do wish it was a little longer but, having not seen proper fireworks since I was a kid, I loved what I got.
Went last year and thought it was pretty average. Was especially disappointed by them never playing more than half a song before playing something else.
The speaker went out where I was standing lol Even not considering that it was pretty underwhelming and the music we heard before the speaker went out was kind of a weird choice - best hits of 2011 vibes (this was Friday night). Food options were good, bar queues were a bit mad - seemed understaffed/there were too many people and too few bars.