St Albans Fireworks Spectacular returns to Verulamium Park this weekend — and while it’s known for lighting up the sky, it also quietly powers something just as brilliant: real change in the community.

For decades, the event has been run by St Albans Cathedral — entirely self-funded, with no public grants — and has raised over £1 million for local charities. This year’s beneficiaries are The Hospice of St Francis and The Daylight Club, alongside the Cathedral’s own charitable work.

“Buying a ticket does not just mean you're seeing some fireworks — it also means you are supporting our special hospice care.”

🟣 Lisa Herring from The Hospice of St Francis writes:
“Buying a ticket does not just mean you're seeing some fireworks — it also means you are supporting our special hospice care.

£10 can fund a weekly call from a trained volunteer – great hospice care means you are not alone with your grief.

We love what we do, and we love your support too.”

🟢 Salpi Gulbekian from the Daylight Club adds:
“The Daylight Club is a social club for adults with a variety of disabilities.

The club stopped receiving Government funding in 2015 and is now dependent on donations and fundraising to survive and continue to provide its services.

Funds raised via the Fireworks Spectacular enable us to support our members to live active and fulfilled lives.”

And why does the Cathedral keep running the event? Fr Will Gibbs explains:

“There are three big reasons we put on this fireworks display every year.

First — it’s fun! Thousands of people come together in the park for what we think is the best display in the area. It’s a brilliant, feel-good night out.

Second — it offers a safe and central way to enjoy fireworks without setting them off at home. That’s good news for pets, neighbours, and emergency services.

And third — it raises serious money for some amazing causes. This year we’re supporting The Hospice of St Francis and The Daylight Club, alongside the Cathedral’s own work.

So come and join us! And if you can’t make it — or prefer to watch from elsewhere — buy a ticket anyway. You’ll still be supporting two brilliant charities doing vital local work.”

🎟️ Tickets are still available → Fireworks tickets