Abingdon Funfair & Fireworks

Abingdon Funfair & Fireworks: immersive pyrotechnics and funfair in Oxfordshire

Abingdon Funfair & Fireworks is an annual event organised by Xplosive Group Ltd that combines a 270° fireworks spectacle with a funfair and a huge bonfire. The 2026 event takes place on Saturday 14 November at Abingdon Airfield, on Barrow Road, Shippon (Abingdon, Oxfordshire), about 8 miles from Oxford. The company presents itself as responsible for what it describes as the UK's biggest fireworks show and the South of England's biggest fairground.

A spectacle that surrounds the audience

The highlight is a pyrotechnic display that wraps the audience in a 270° arc, synchronised with lasers and lighting choreographed to music. The organisers present it as their biggest display to date. The day also includes a lower-noise fireworks show designed for younger children, held before the main show.

Funfair, bonfire and entertainment

The site hosts a funfair with more than 100 rides, presented as the biggest in the South of England. During the afternoon, fairground rides are priced at a reduced £2 until 4:00pm. The programme also includes a Kevin & Perry show, real monster truck rides and fire pillars. The day closes with a pallet bonfire located in the centre of the audience area, lit after the main fireworks display.

Schedule for the day

• 1:00pm — Car parks open.
• 2:00pm — Gates and funfair open.
• 2:00pm–4:00pm — Funfair with £2 rides.
• 5:00pm — Music and entertainment begin.
• 6:00pm — Kids singalong fireworks show.
• 6:30pm — Kevin & Perry performance.
• 7:30pm — Main fireworks, light and laser show.
• 8:15pm — Lighting of the huge bonfire.
• 10:00pm — Funfair closes.

The organisers recommend arriving at least two hours before the main display, i.e. by 5:30pm at the latest, to avoid traffic congestion and not miss the show.

Tickets and parking

Tickets are sold through Eventbrite and there is no on-the-gate sales. The site's catalogue shows a launch price with a 10% discount on the general price: adult (16+) £20, child (3-15) £15, under 3s free and family pack (2 adults and 2 children) £65. Final release prices are higher: £25 for adults, £17.50 for children and £75 for the family pack. A 10% booking fee applies. Parking is booked together with tickets, from £4 per vehicle depending on arrival time slot, and uses an ANPR system to speed up access. Parking in Shippon village is not allowed.

Planned changes for 2026

The 2026 edition introduces adjustments aimed at improving the experience: capacity reduced by 40%, revised traffic management with better coordination between routes and ANPR access, main display brought forward to 7:30pm, gates opening at 2:00pm and a smaller bonfire built from pallet wood for cleaner combustion, located in the centre of the audience area and lit after the fireworks. The organisers note that the event usually sells out in advance.

Contact details and venue

Xplosive Group Ltd's office is at Units 1-4, 49 Whitecross, Wootton, OX13 6BS. The event is held at Abingdon Airfield, Barrow Road, Shippon, Abingdon, OX13 6JQ. The contact phone number is 01491 826454.

Venues and locations

Abingdon Airfield venue: Abingdon Airfield, Barrow Road, Shippon, Abingdon, OX13 6JQ · Phone: 01491 826454

Xplosive Group Ltd venue: Units 1-4, 49 Whitecross, Wootton, OX13 6BS