Bolton Council has confirmed that 10 officially licensed bonfire and fireworks events will take place across the borough this autumn, with organisers urging residents to attend organised displays rather than hold unlicensed celebrations.
As the days grow colder and darker, many families will be looking forward to Bonfire Night season. It is increasingly rare for councils to put on traditional fires and displays, with cash-strapped local authorities across the country reining in festivities in recent years due to spiralling costs.
While Bolton Council's own organised bonfire celebrations appear to be a thing of the past, there are still plenty of officially licensed activities taking place across the borough to mark November 5. The council is encouraging people to enjoy the thrill of Bonfire Night at one of these authorised celebrations and is urging residents not to organise unlicensed events.
Full list of licensed events
The council said that 10 events are happening right across the town starting this Saturday:
- Saturday, October 17 – Bradshaw Cricket Club. Gates open 6.30pm, fireworks 8pm
- Saturday, October 24 – Kearsley Cricket Club. Gates open 5pm, fireworks 6pm
- Wednesday, October 28 – Egerton Cricket Club. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 8pm
- Friday, October 30 – Farnworth Cricket Club. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 7.15pm
- Sunday, November 1 – Horwich RMI Cricket Club. Gates open 6pm, fireworks 7.45pm
- Friday, November 6 – Westhoughton Cricket Club. Gates open 4pm, fireworks 8pm
- Friday, November 6 – The Hive (tots and child friendly). 5.30pm
- Saturday, November 7 – Daisy Hill Cricket Club. Gates open 5pm, fireworks 7.30pm
- Saturday, November 7 – Darcy Lever Hacken Lane. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 8.15pm
- Sunday, November 8 – Friends of Bolton School. Gates open 4.30pm, fireworks 7pm
Safety standards and past incidents
The council said public bonfires are only licensed if they meet strict safety standards and bonfire materials are stored in line with regulations to minimise the risk of accidental fires.
Several large unapproved bonfires on land owned by the council or Be One Homes were removed in recent years over fears of the impact of smoke and noise on people living nearby, damage to grassed areas and the chance of fires spreading.
The council said that last year, fire crews put out a fire that spread to nearby trees and two cars that caught light, as they dealt with multiple blazes in Bolton. Another concern is anti-social behaviour, with one teenage boy arrested in Halliwell last year after reports of youths throwing fireworks in the street.
Council's appeal for safety
Bolton Council executive member for stronger communities, Coun Hamid Khurram, said: “Most people enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, and I’m pleased that the number of incidents like problem fires, hoax calls and antisocial behaviour fell sharply last year.
“But unlicensed public events and carelessness with fires and fireworks pose a serious risk of injury and damage.
“Please be safe and sensible and enjoy bonfire night at a properly organised and licensed event.”
