Avon Beach fireworks: a free family evening by the sea

If you’re looking for a simple Bonfire Night plan near Bournemouth, Avon Beach in Mudeford has a free community fireworks display on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 6.30pm. The event is organised by The Noisy Lobster and takes place on the beach at Avon Beach, Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4AN. There’s no admission charge, so families can make an evening of it without paying for tickets to the display itself.

The fireworks are watched from the sandy beach, which sits just east of Mudeford Quay at the start of Christchurch Bay. Avon Beach has a gentle slope into the water, a promenade, toilets with baby-changing facilities, an ice-cream kiosk, a takeaway café and a beach shop. There is also a beach-level entrance from the adjacent car park, six accessible parking spaces and an accessible toilet with RADAR key access beside The Noisy Lobster Café. It’s worth remembering that this is an outdoor evening in November, so warm layers and shoes suitable for sand are sensible choices.

Food is part of the plan, with stalls and beachside options available around the event. The Noisy Lobster is also offering two bookable restaurant packages. The Early Bird runs from 4pm to 5pm and includes two courses plus a hot drink to take down to the beach, priced at £39 per person. Alternatively, Make a Night of It starts from 6pm and includes three courses, with the table held for the evening. Restaurant service pauses while the fireworks are on, and this option costs £55 per person. A children’s menu is available, with one source listing it at £15 per child. Tables can be booked through The Noisy Lobster or by calling 01425 272162.

Parking is limited close to the sand. Avon Beach Car Park, postcode BH23 4AN, has 83 spaces, including six disabled spaces, but it is a small seafront car park that can fill quickly. On 3 November, the winter tariff applies: £2.40 for one hour, £4.30 for two hours, £6.10 for three hours, £7.50 for four hours, £13.60 for eight hours or £17.50 for 12 hours. The car park is open from 9am to 9pm, with gates closed at 10pm. Avon Run Road Car Park, BH23 4DU, has 206 spaces and is around a five-minute walk away via steps. Its winter charge is £1.10 for stays from one to 12 hours, and it has a 2m height restriction. On-road parking is also available along Avon Run Road and nearby residential streets, subject to local restrictions.

Avon Beach is free to use, but the usual beach rules still apply. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not allowed, and dogs are not permitted on the beach from 1 May to 30 September; from 1 October to 30 April they can be off lead on the beach, while leads are required on the promenades. For the fireworks, follow the stewards’ instructions and keep children close while the display is taking place. The combination of a beach setting, food and a free display makes this a straightforward family evening in the Bournemouth area, with the option of booking dinner if you want to stay by the sea for longer.