Bonfire Night in Manchester: best places to watch fireworks in November 2022

Bonfire Night has not been the same for the last couple of years. But now we’re no longer facing Covid restrictions, many firework displays are back with a bang.

The bigger council-run events are usually held at Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Wythenshawe Park, with smaller events at Crumpsall Park, the Etihad Campus, Cringle Park, Debdale Park and Brookdale Park. However, the city council confirmed on 12 October that council-run bonfires will not take place in 2022, owing to concerns about the cost of staging big events.

Here are some other places across Greater Manchester that are hosting Bonfire Night celebrations.

Manchester

Escape to Freight Island has teamed up with recently-opened Mayfield Park in the city centre to stage two shows on Friday 4 November. The first takes place at the park from 5.30pm, the second at Freight Island from 8pm. It costs £8 for adults and £2 for kids. Book on their website here.

Stockport

Bramhall Firework Festival returns to Stockport Rugby Club on Friday 4 November. There will be live music across two stages, food, a fun fair and fire dancers. Tickets can be booked on the website and more information can be found on the festival Facebook page.

Woodford Community Centre will also be hosting a firework display that also includes fairground rides, hot food, gluhwein and snacks. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 16 and under, and there are also family ticket options. You can purchase them via Ticketsource.

Tameside

Cockfields Farm will be running firework displays throughout the Bonfire Night weekend on 4,5 and 6 November. There will be a fire eating show followed by musical firework displays. Food will also be available. Tickets cost £15 for adults and children, and £3 for babies under 12 months. More information can be found on Cockfield’s website.

Hyde Cricket and Squash Club are also hosting a Bonfire Night. There will be an indoor and outdoor bar open, as well as food. Tickets cost £6 for adults, £4 for children and can be purchased via Ticketsource. More information can be found on the club’s Facebook page.

Wigan

Haigh Woodland Park is hosting a bonfire and firework display on 5 November with plenty of extra entertainment. Guests will be able to enjoy a fire show, a puppet show, live music and a samba band. Food and drink will be available. Tickets for adults and children 16 and above cost £10 and it is £8.50 for children aged 4-15.

More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. 

Lancashire Mining Museum in Astley is also hosting a Bonfire Night event on 5 November. There will be hot food, a bar, fairground rides and a ukulele band, as well a competition for the best Guy Fawkes. Tickets are £7.50 for adults, £2.50 for children and can be purchased via the museum’s website.

Oldham

Described as “Oldham’s largest firework display,” the Bonfire Night display at Shaw Cricket Club is back this year. There will be food and a fully licensed bar. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Bury

Bury’s biggest community bonfire returns to Woodbank Cricket Club this year. Thousands attended last year’s event and the organisers are anticipating a similar turnout this year. As well as a firework display, there will also be a fun fair, tombola and refreshments on offer.

The event will take place on Saturday 5 November. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and can be purchased via Ticket Source.

Celebrating Bonfire Night at home

You can opt to celebrate Bonfire Night at home, however there are some safety rules and laws you must be aware of.

If you are lighting a fire, it must be at least 18m away from buildings, trees, fences, overhead cables and car parking areas, according to the Manchester City council website.

It should also be no more than 3m high, with a 5m barrier around it to protect anyone nearby.

Remember to also be mindful of children and animals near the fire, and keep a bucket of water close at hand.

Do not burn aerosols, batteries, bottles, foam-filled furniture, paint, tyres, and only use firelighters to start the fire.

There are also limits on setting off fireworks. They can only be bought between 15 October and 10 November and are not allowed to be used between 11pm and 7am.