At least 60 bonfire events and firework displays are taking place across Greater Manchester over the next two weeks, including free shows at Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park and Platt Fields Park.
With the clocks having gone back and two named storms already this autumn, a number of Bonfire events will start to take place this weekend and into the following week. Bonfire Night falls on a Thursday this year, so there will be events in the lead up and into the weekend of November 7 and 8.
Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, originated from the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and has been held around November 5 each year ever since.
Free events at Manchester's biggest parks
In September, Manchester council confirmed firework celebrations would return to Manchester parks on Saturday, November 7, two days after Bonfire Night. Council bosses have stressed that there will not be bonfires at the celebrations, but there will be big free family-friendly fireworks at Wythenshawe Park, Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield.
In a first for the event, organisers will stage two different displays at the parks, one at 5pm and another at 8pm. The events will start from 3pm with storytelling experiences from Z Arts, followed by hands-on crafting inspired by the story. Storytimes are due to take place at 3pm - 3.45pm and 4.30pm.
At 5pm there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact fireworks display designed to be shorter and more accessible for families with young children. Fire performers will add to the celebrations, and Walk the Plank will coordinate a Lantern Parade beginning at 7pm ahead of the main firework display set to music starting at 8pm. The evening will also include family entertainment, funfairs and a food and drink village.
Events across the region
Across the rest of Greater Manchester, councils are putting on displays and there are a number of private events being held too. The list covers events in Manchester, Stockport, Tameside, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Salford, Wigan and Trafford.
In Trafford, while the council is not hosting any events itself, the roster includes the return of annual fixtures in Urmston, Stretford, Bowdon and Sale. Events have been lined up for bonfire night itself on Thursday, November 5, running through to Sunday, November 8. Those celebrating will be treated to music, funfair rides and, at one, even a drone show.
In Bury, while the council is not hosting any events itself, celebrations return to Heaton Park on Saturday, November 7, with free entry. While there will not be a bonfire at the event, there will be two different displays: a reduced-noise display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, followed by the main event at 8pm.
Salford Council is hosting two events in Buile Hill Park and Prince's Park over the first weekend of November. The celebrations will get underway at Buile Hill Park on Saturday, October 31, before moving to Prince's Park in Irlam on Sunday, November 1, with both events starting from 4pm and completely free to attend. Buile Hill Park will see a set of three firework displays taking place over three hours starting at 5.30pm, beginning with the quieter Little Sparks display, followed by a Firecracker display and culminating in the big finale main show.
In Oldham, Oldham Council said it had been notified of three events taking place across the borough for Bonfire Night this year, all happening on November 7. Although it is not hosting any bonfire events itself, Oldham Council as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture is hosting a 'Feast of Fire' event in Oldham town centre on October 31.
Rochdale Council is putting on three firework display events in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton – completely free of charge. Bowlee Community Park, Queens Park Road and Cronkeyshaw Common will all be dazzled by pyrotechnics.
In Bolton, the council said that 10 events are happening right across the town, with two having already taken part at Bradshaw Cricket Club and Kearsley Cricket Club. The council urges people not to organise unlicensed events.
In Wigan, big events will span the period from October 30 to November 7. People are being encouraged to enjoy the thrill of Bonfire Night at one of Wigan's celebrations, with the council urging people not to organise unlicensed events.
In Stockport, the council is not organising any displays, but there are still events taking place around the borough, including the Brabyns Bonfire in Marple, which has been a fixture for over 50 years, and 2026 marks its 54th year. The event, which takes place on Saturday, November 7, is run completely by volunteers, with all proceeds going to Scouting and Guiding in Marple.
Those organising an event can email newsdesk@men-news.co.uk to have it included.
