Bonfire Night 2023: Best fireworks displays in Greater Manchester including Freight Island and Prince's Park

There may be no Manchester council-run Bonfire Night events again this year, but there are plenty of other places to catch fireworks and get the sparklers out.

Don't get caught out as while the holiday this year falls on Sunday, November 5, plenty of events take place on the Friday and Saturday before. Here we've rounded up the best, including ticketed and free events around Greater Manchester.

Free Bonfire Night events

Oldham Council’s Big Bang Bonfire

Taking place on Thursday 2 November at Oldham Edge Playing Fields. It’s free to attend and no booking is required. The event starts at 5pm. No alcohol, gazebos, barbecues or sparklers will be allowed on site.

Rochdale Bonfire and Fireworks Display

The council-run firework display will take place on Thursday 2 November at Cronkeyshaw Common, from 7-10pm. Food and soft drinks will be available. No alcohol will be allowed on site. More information can be found on the Rochdale council website.

Buile Hill Park

Taking place on Saturday 4 November, this is one of the Bonfire Night events run by Salford council. There will be lots to see and do, including three firework displays, a fire walk, marshmallow toasting, live music, glowing sculptures, food and drink and a fun fair. Gates will open at 4pm.

Prince’s Park, Irlam

The other free Bonfire Night event hosted by Salford council will be taking place at Prince’s Park, Irlam, on Sunday 5 November. Gates open at 4pm, there will also be food and drink available and a funfair.

Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill

On Saturday 4 November, there will be a funfair from 2-8pm at the Irish World Heritage Centre, followed by a firework display and more fun fair on Sunday 5 November. There will also be a bar, food and live music. The firework display will take place at around 7pm on Sunday 5 November. No tickets are required but the funfair rides will charge.

Ticketed Bonfire Night events

Freight Island - Fireworks & Fire Garden

Freight Island will be hosting Bonfire Night events on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November this year. Mayfield Park will be turned into a Fire Garden, which is a touring installation designed by Walk the Plank featuring fire sculptures and theatre. There will be three firework sessions, two on Saturday and one Sunday. More information, including how to book, can be found on the Design My Night platform.

Bramhall Firework and Music Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the Bramhall Firework and Music Festival, taking place at Stockport Rugby Club on Friday 3 November from 5pm. There will be a children’s firework display at 7:15pm, followed by the main event at 8:30pm. The bar will close at 11:30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Bowdon Bonfire 2023

The annual Bonfire Night will be taking place at Bowdon Cricket, Hockey and Squash Club on Friday 3 November from 6pm. The traditional bonfire will be lit at around 7:20pm. There will be a kids firework display at 7pm, another display at 8pm and a grand finale at 8:45pm, which may not be suitable for younger people due to the noise levels. There will be food, drink, entertainment and toffee apples. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £8 for children, and can be purchased via Eventbrite.