By Amanda Craighead-Wheeler

Bonfire Night is a great way to experience London after dark. The Houses of Parliament are where the traditional began – and almost ended – in 1605. As well as over a dozen firework displays in the week around 5 November, London has a wealth of themed parties, gigs and club nights over the weekend where you can get the most bang for your Bonfire Night.

Battersea Park fireworks are one of the biggest displays. As well seeing them on the ground, there’s also the chance to see them on the river and even in the air. Thames Dinner Cruises are offering a Bonfire Night special, with drinks, live music and a special cruise letting your enjoy London at night and alight. The EDF Energy London Eye is offering 30 minute flights, giving you the chance take in not just one display but as many as the eye can see.

There are more unusual ways to remember the gunpowder, treason and plot, too. Club de Fromage at the O2 Islington is a club for those who like to wear silly outfits and party hard, playing all kinds of pop from the last 40 years. The club’s Neon Night special takes place on 3 November with upbeat cheesy tracks, bright lights, friendly faces and fancy dress.

If you want something more erudite, try the Midnight Apothecary on 3 November, a pop up cocktail bar on the roof gardens at the Brunel Museum. Five pounds will get you entry to the opening of the first tunnel under a river, the chance to try cocktails with ingredients handpicked from the museum’s gardens, and of course a bonfire and sparklers.

Have we missed any? Tell us if there’s somewhere you know that paints London red (or green, or gold with sparkles…)

Winterwell Presents A Journey to Hell
Boutique festival Winterwell’s popular Halloween party returns to London for another year of “pervasive adventures”. It all takes place at a brick warehouse in West London, with live music, installations and plenty more entertainment. The fancy dress theme is “what you might find in hell,” so start planning your costume now! The Loft Studios, 27 Oct, tickets £25 (early bird tickets £20)

Club de Fromage and Old School Indie Halloween Party
Club de Fromage and Old School Indie have joined forces for an evening of chilling indie and spooky pop in a venue decked out with gravestones, coffins and cobwebs. There’s a prize for best fancy dress, and the chance to get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of Ghostbusters before the club. O2 Academy Islington, 27 Oct, entry £10 in advance, £15 including film

Secretsundaze Halloween Asylum Party
Mix the old and new as secretsundaze makes its debut at Shoreditch venue Factory 7, while continuing last year’s asylum theme. Some of the biggest names in techno will keep inmates partying until the early hours, including Shed, San Proper and BLM plus residents Giles Smith and James Priestly. Factory 7, 27 Oct, tickets £14.50-£17

Midnight A Go-Go’s Halloween Party Return to a simpler time of MTV, Thriller and Kate Bush at Midnight A Go-Go’s 80s-themed Halloween party. Enjoy 80s new wave, synth pop, classic hip hop and new tracks inspired by the decade, while cult 80s horror films play in the background. The Waiting Room, 26 Oct, entry £5

Big Chill Presents Bruk Out Halloween Party
A Halloween party with music that bumps very loudly in the night. Thunderbird Gerard, Brackles, Serocee, TCTS and Bruk Out DJs play the best house, hip hop and beats, with a special performance from dance troupe Skullduggery Refuse. The Big Chill House, 27 Oct, free entry

Have we missed any Halloween hotspots? Tell us in the comments below.