QUICK ANSWER
Corby’s free Bonfire Night fireworks at the Boating Lake are not expected to take place in 2026. North Northamptonshire Council has said it can’t run the event this year because of cost and staffing, and hopes it will be a ‘fallow’ year while a community group takes it on. A Save Corby Fireworks campaign is fundraising to bring it back. We’ll update this page if anything changes.
Corby Fireworks at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
| Is Corby Fireworks on in 2026? | Not expected — the council says it can’t deliver it this year |
| Who used to run it? | Corby Borough Council, then North Northamptonshire Council |
| How long has it run? | Since the 1970s |
| Where was it held? | Around Corby Boating Lake, Cottingham Road |
| Last event | Wednesday 5 November 2025 — procession 6:30pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7:30pm |
| What’s next? | Community campaign fundraising for a future community-led event |
Is Corby Fireworks Night Cancelled in 2026?
Yes, for this year at least. In May 2026 the Northamptonshire Telegraph reported that North Northamptonshire Council planned to stop funding and staffing the free Bonfire Night event, which has run in Corby since the 1970s. The council initially said no final decision had been made, but in July its executive member for communities told full council that the event could not go ahead in 2026 because of cost and staffing, and described it as a ‘fallow’ year while other organisers come forward.
In August, Corby Town Council said it had been contacted by residents and groups and was considering what role it might play — but that no organisation was in a position to deliver the event safely in 2026.
Why Was Corby Fireworks Axed?
North Northamptonshire Council has said the challenge was about more than money: it pointed to the staff and operational resources needed to run the event safely, and said it couldn’t deliver both Corby Fireworks and Northamptonshire Day, which is in Kettering a few days later. The decision has been controversial locally, and the council leader has denied claims that it was linked to political disagreements.
Can Corby Fireworks Come Back?
Both the district council and the town council say they would like to see a community-led event in future. Residents set up a petition and a Save Corby Fireworks campaign within days of the news, and a JustGiving page has been set up with a target of £30,000 to get the fireworks up and running again. North Northamptonshire Council says it has held ‘positive conversations’ with community groups and will support anyone who takes the event on.
What Happened at Corby Fireworks in 2025?
The last council-run event took place on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at Corby Boating Lake. It was free to attend. A torchlit procession led by council representatives left Corby International Pool at 6:30pm, the bonfire was lit at 7pm and a professional fireworks display started at 7:30pm. Westcott Way was closed from 6pm, and thousands of people came from across North Northamptonshire.
Where Can I See Fireworks Near Corby in 2026?
With no council display this year, look for organised events run by sports clubs, schools, pubs and community groups in Corby, Kettering and the surrounding villages — and check North Northamptonshire Council’s website and local news in October. If you’d rather not travel, a small, legal garden display is another option.
Corby Fireworks 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corby Bonfire Night on in 2026?
It isn’t expected to go ahead. North Northamptonshire Council says it can’t run the event this year, and no other organisation has confirmed a 2026 display.
Why was Corby fireworks cancelled?
The council cited cost and the staff needed to run it safely, alongside other events in the same week.
Will Corby fireworks return in the future?
Possibly. The councils say they would support a community-led event, and the Save Corby Fireworks campaign is fundraising to make that happen.
Where was Corby fireworks held?
Around Corby Boating Lake on Cottingham Road, with a torchlit procession from Corby International Pool.
Celebrating at Home in Corby
If you’re planning a garden display instead this year, try the Centurion 100-shot missile cake for a big finish, or the Black Cat Dragon Fire fountain for younger children. Use code BON26 for 10% off. Community groups organising a future Corby display can talk to us about bulk and trade orders.
