Thousands of would-be visitors to Heaton Park and Platt Fields have been left gutted after council bosses axed Bonfire Night displays. After two years rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, many Mancunians had been eager to return to one of the city's treasured firework displays in 2022.
But with rising costs being a key factor, Manchester council announced yesterday (October 12) that the popular events would not be returning this year. It was a move that has proven unpopular with many, although Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham defended the decision while councils are 'shaking every tin in the town hall to try and help people with the cost of living crisis'.
Manchester council is not the only town hall in Greater Manchester to have decided to call off its firework displays this year either. However, four of the area's councils have decided to go ahead with their displays as planned.
READ MORE: Young man took his own life while on leave from mental health unit, inquest told
Four Greater Manchester councils did not host their own firework displays for Bonfire Night before the Covid pandemic - and none of those councils are hosting an event this year either. They are Bury, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford councils.
One council in the region which did host a fireworks event in November 2019 was Bolton Council, at Leverhulme Park. However, this year the local authority has taken the same decision as Manchester.
A spokesperson for Bolton Council told the Manchester Evening News : “After two years off during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken the difficult decision not to bring back the Leverhulme Park firework display in 2022. Rising costs have put significant pressure on all local authorities, and we have decided to refocus the council’s events budget.”
That leaves four councils who will be holding firework displays next month - Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Wigan. Here is everything you need to know about each of them.
Oldham
Oldham Council is hosting its Big Bang Bonfire on Thursday, November 3, from 5pm. The popular event returned in November 2021 after one year off due to Covid in 2020, and it is back at Oldham Edge Playing Fields once again this year.
"We are delighted to confirm our free annual Big Bang Bonfire is back for its tenth year," said Coun Amanda Chadderton, leader of Oldham Council. "We know people love this event and, at a time when families are really struggling with the rising cost-of-living, we want to ensure families still have a free event to attend and enjoy.
"Our organised display also helps to keep people safe from fires, injuries, and nuisance, and eases the pressure on our emergency services during one of their busiest times of the year. “Final arrangements are currently underway for what promises to be one of our biggest, loudest and most colourful events of the year – including fire and ice-themed entertainment, and a 20-minute firework show from UK champions Fantastic Fireworks – so we invite residents to come along and join in the fun.
“We are aware other bonfires have been cancelled in recent days and we will take additional attendance into consideration as part of our ongoing preparations for the event.”
Rochdale
Three council-run bonfire and firework displays will take place on consecutive nights across Rochdale borough. The first will be held at Bowlee Community Park, Middleton, from 7pm on October 31.
That will be followed by a display at Queen's Park Road, opposite Queen's Park in Heywood, from 7pm on November 1. Finally, it's Rochdale's turn from 7pm on November 2, at Cronkeyshaw Common.
Fireworks begin at 7.30pm for each of the events. Refreshments are available at all, while funfairs will also take place at Bowlee and Queen's Park.
Salford
Last year, Salford Council cancelled its fireworks displays after its neighbours in Manchester made the same decision, but history has not repeated itself in 2022.
Events will take place from 4pm on November 5 at Buile Hill Park, and from 5pm the following day at Prince's Park. There will be two smaller, quieter firework displays at Buile Hill Park before the main event, which could be ideal for young families.
There will also be a funfair, although Salford Council is not hosting a bonfire at the event, as it aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The Manchester Evening News understands talks did take place at Salford Council over whether the events should be axed this year, but with costs in the region of £40,000 they were considered to be good value for money for residents.
Wigan
Wigan Council has announced two major firework displays at Robin Park Arena and Haigh Hall - but unlike the other council events, visitors will pay to get in. The Haigh Hall event will take place on November 5, while the Robin Park occasion coincides with the end of year celebrations for Wigan Warriors’ 150th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, the Fan Village will open its doors from 2pm and combine rugby and fireworks by showing the fourth Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final live at 2.30pm. The firework display will start at 7pm, after two hours of live music and entertainment, with tickets costing £10 for adults and £5 for children.
At Haigh Hall, the fireworks kick off at 8.30pm, following live music and entertainment which starts at 5pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8.50 for children, while those under three-years-old go free.
READ NEXT:
