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Fireworks season is hard on lots of pets, and around Stratford-upon-Avon it isn’t just 5 November. This year the big displays near town fall on Friday 30 October, Sunday 1 November, Thursday 5 November and Saturday 7 November, with garden fireworks on the nights in between. Here are the dates to plan around, and how to keep dogs, cats, rabbits and horses calm, based on RSPCA advice.
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The big fireworks nights near Stratford in 2026
| Date | Display | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 30 Oct, fireworks 7.30pm | Riverside Halloween Fireworks Spectacular | Tiddington Road, Stratford |
| Fri 30 Oct | Fireworks Night at The Warwickshire | Leek Wootton |
| Sun 1 Nov, 5pm–9pm | Stratford Rugby Club Bonfire & Fireworks | Loxley Road, Stratford |
| Thu 5 Nov | Evesham Bonfire & Fireworks Spectacular | Corporation Meadow, Evesham |
| Sat 7 Nov, main display about 6.40pm | Warwick Town Bonfire | Warwick Racecourse |
| Sat 7 Nov | Fireworks Spectacular | Kenilworth Castle |
| Sat 7 Nov | Fireworks Bonanza | Hatton Country World |
If you live near Tiddington Road, Loxley Road or the Recreation Ground side of the river, the Riverside and rugby club displays are the two to expect the most noise from. Our Bonfire Night guide has the details of every display, and we’ll add any more as they’re announced.
Dogs
- Walk them in daylight on fireworks nights, before it gets dark.
- Make a den in a quiet part of the house, with bedding, a favourite toy and somewhere to hide. Let them choose to go there.
- Close the curtains and windows, and put the TV or music on to soften the bangs.
- Stay calm and stay home if you can. Don’t punish a frightened dog, which only makes the fear worse.
- Never tie a dog up outside, and check gates and fences: frightened dogs bolt.
- Make sure the microchip details are up to date, in case they get out.
Cats
- Keep them indoors from before dark, and give them a litter tray.
- Leave plenty of places to hide, high up and low down, and let them stay there.
- Close cat flaps, windows and curtains.
Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets
Give them extra bedding to burrow into. If their hutch is outside, cover part of it with a blanket to muffle the noise and block the flashes, or bring them into a quiet room or garage for the night.
Horses
Keep your horse in its familiar field or stable with its usual companions, and check fencing for anything it could hurt itself on. If you know of a display near your yard, contact the organiser and ask them to set off the fireworks facing away from the horses.
If your pet is very frightened
For some animals, the fear of fireworks is a phobia. Talk to your vet well before the season starts: they can advise on calming products, behaviour help and, in severe cases, medication. Make a note of your vet’s out-of-hours number now, so you’re not searching for it on the night.
Fireworks and the law
Fireworks can’t be set off between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night (midnight) and on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (1am). Our guide to fireworks rules in Stratford explains what’s allowed and how to report fireworks being used illegally.
Questions
When are the fireworks in Stratford this year?
The Riverside Venue’s Halloween fireworks are on Friday 30 October and Stratford Rugby Club’s bonfire night is on Sunday 1 November. The busiest night nearby is Saturday 7 November, with displays at Warwick, Kenilworth and Hatton.
What time do fireworks have to stop?
11pm on most nights, midnight on 5 November, and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
