London news · 5 November 2026
Bonfire Night 2026: Five Best London Fireworks Displays With Tickets Still Available
A guide to the top Bonfire Night fireworks events in London for Guy Fawkes Night 2026, covering venues from Wimbledon Park on the night itself to Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park across the weekend.
Regent Street's 'Spirit of Christmas' Angels Return for 10th Anniversary Switch-On
Regent Street's iconic Christmas angel illuminations switched on for the 10th year on the evening of 5 November 2026, with the road closed to traffic and special events at shops along the route.
Stevie Wonder Brings Songs in the Key of Life to The O2 for Second and Final London Night
Stevie Wonder performed the second of two London shows at The O2 Arena on 5 November 2026, playing his landmark 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life in its entirety as part of his 50th anniversary tour.
Battersea Power Station's Art Deco Christmas Illuminations Activate on 5 November
Battersea Power Station switched on its Christmas illuminations on 5 November 2026, featuring four art deco-inspired chandeliers in Turbine Hall A and retro-themed decorations with a star projection in Turbine Hall B.
Free Things To Do In London This Week: 2–8 November 2026
London's free events this week include Christmas light switch-ons across the West End, a free Bonfire Night fireworks display at Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury, and a Diwali celebration at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich on Saturday 7 November.
London Assembly Committee Begins Investigation Into Hate Crime and Violence Against Women and Girls on Public Transport
The London Assembly's Police and Crime Committee opened its investigation into hate crime and violence against women and girls on the capital's public transport network at City Hall on 5 November 2026.
Mayor Gains Historic Powers to Shape London's Nightlife Licensing
Mayor Sadiq Khan has heralded a new era for London's nightlife as City Hall gained the power to call in and make final decisions on major licensing applications affecting venues and events across the capital.
London Assembly Investigates Underage Vaping With Young People Helping Shape the Response
The London Assembly Health Committee held a public session on 4 November 2026 examining why young Londoners vape and how the new Tobacco and Vapes Act could affect the capital, with youth representatives from Tower Hamlets speaking directly to committee members.
Thames Bridges in Crisis: London Assembly Revisits Five Years of Maintenance Failures
The London Assembly Transport Committee returned to scrutinise Thames road bridge maintenance on 3 November 2026, with Hammersmith and Albert bridges still closed to vehicles and several others carrying weight restrictions.
Oxford Street Becomes Permanently Traffic-Free for the First Time
Oxford Street became permanently traffic-free on 26 October 2026, closing nearly one kilometre of road between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street to vehicles; the milestone followed extensive consultations in which around seven in ten Londoners and businesses backed Mayor Sadiq Khan's plans.
Mayor Seeks £20 Council Tax Rise to Fund Record £1.22bn Police Budget and Phone Theft Crackdown
The Mayor of London's draft budget proposes a £20.13 annual council tax increase for an average Band D household to fund a record £1.22 billion Metropolitan Police budget and a package of measures — including drone deployment and specialist e-bike officers — to crack down on mobile phone theft gangs.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks and Drone Festival: Everything You Need to Know for 7–8 November
Alexandra Palace is hosting its expanded Fireworks and Drone Festival across two days on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, featuring hundreds of choreographed drones, funfair rides, ice skating, and a German beer festival alongside its famous fireworks display.
City of London Maintains Trans-Inclusive Policy at Hampstead Heath Ponds After Supreme Court Ruling
The City of London Corporation, trustee of the Hampstead Heath charity, has confirmed it will maintain trans-inclusive access arrangements at the Heath's bathing ponds following a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal definition of "sex."
London Launches £7m Global Campaign to Fight Disinformation and Promote Tourism
Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled a £7 million international tourism and investment campaign, delivered by London & Partners, to promote the capital and counter organised online disinformation, with the campaign set to launch in September.