Manchester’s skies will be lit up for Bonfire Night this year with displays taking place around the city. Events have been organised by Manchester council on Saturday November 7 at Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields, promising a mix of family activities alongside fireworks and fire performers. That’s alongside many other displays taking place across Manchester on and around Bonfire Night which this year falls on Thursday, November 5.
Council events at Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields
On Saturday November 7 there will be two fireworks displays at three of Manchester’s biggest parks. The events will start from 3pm with the chance for younger attendees to enjoy magical, storytelling experiences from Z Arts, using characters, voices, movement, and imagination to bring stories to life. There's also a chance to get creative with hands-on crafting inspired by the story. Storytimes are due to take place at 3pm / 3.45pm and 4.30pm.
This will be followed at 5pm by a reduced-noise, low-impact fireworks display designed to be shorter and more accessible for families with young children and people who may prefer a less intense fireworks experience. Fire performers will add to the celebrations, lighting up the event with a display of flames, fiery choreography and skills.
The evening will be made of family entertainment, funfairs and a food and drink village, while Walk the Plank will coordinate a Lantern Parade ahead of the main fireworks display. The Lantern Parade begins at 7pm prior to the main firework display set to music starting at 8pm.
Whalley Range Cricket Club Bonfire Night
The Whalley Range Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club will host its annual bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday, November 7. Gates open at 5.30pm, and the ticketed event includes an ‘enormous bonfire’ to light up the night at 6.30pm, followed by a ‘dazzling’ fireworks display set to start at 8pm over the club grounds.
A selection of hot food, snacks, traditional bonfire treats and desserts will be on offer too, and two bars will be open serving a range of drinks, with hot and cold refreshments. Tickets start at £5 per child (age 3-15). A family ticket of two adults and two children is available for £20. The venue is at Kingsbrook Road, Manchester, M16 8NR.
West Didsbury & Chorlton Bonfire Display
The annual fireworks display and bonfire will take place at West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC on Sunday November 8. Organisers have promised plenty of food, drink and entertainment, with more details set to be published nearer to the date. It is a ticketed event which may sell out, so those thinking of going were encouraged to book soon. Things kick off from 5.30pm when the gates open.
There is no parking at the ground for cars or cycles, anyone attending is encouraged to use public transport or find parking elsewhere. Tickets cost £5 for kids (aged three to 15), £10 for adults, or £25 for a family ticket with entry for two adults and two children. The venue is at Brookburn Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 8FE.
Printworks and The Firbank
A digital Bonfire Night display will return to the Printworks in Manchester city centre this year, to be held on Thursday, November 5. An immersive display of digital fireworks, lights, and surround sound will transform the Pumpyard into a ‘magical’ bonfire celebration in the heart of the city. The event begins at 4.30pm with a Manchester star nominations ceiling animation, followed by SEN storytime with Katie Thistleton and Hacker T Dog at 5pm. The musical fireworks display will start at 6.15pm.
The Firbank pub and kitchen in Wythenshawe will be hosting its own fireworks display on November 5. The family Bonfire Night party includes fireworks, music, and a BBQ to enjoy. Doors open from 5pm with the event taking place between 7pm and 10pm. The event is free to attend and entry will be on a first come first served basis. The venue is at Firbank Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 2YP.
