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The big Manchester guide to Bonfire Night – everything you need to know
'Baby you're a firework!'
Remember, remember the fifth of November, when spots around Manchester will be lighting up the night sky for Bonfire Night.
Dazzling fireworks displays, roaring bonfires, hot chocolates and loads more will be on offer in the coming week as the nation turns fully autumnal.
Although the Manchester City Council-run Bonfire Night celebrations have been called off once again, there are plenty of places you can still celebrate.
Listed below are some of the top bonfires happening in and around Greater Manchester in 2024 including some viewing spots where you can immerse yourself in a world of free fireworks atop the Manchester skyline.
Although we can’t list every single event occurring over the next week, here is a summary of upcoming fireworks displays across the 10 boroughs.
Bonfire Night 2024 – The Guide
Dark Distillery at The Cat and Fiddle
The UK’s highest altitude distillery is hosting a night of luxury drinks and spooky stories in their cosy establishment this Bonfire Night.
Joined by David Atkinson from Dark Chester Ghost Tours, there will be eerie tales told as you sip on a cocktail that is smoked right in front of you by the bartenders.
How can you possibly go wrong, especially when there is a charcuterie board on hand to soak up your liquid courage and take you to food heaven?
The landscape even overlooks Buxton and Macclesfield meaning guests have a chance to gaze at the fireworks while tucking into the finer things in life.
Guests wanting to take their Bonfire Night to the next level with this unforgettable experience can purchase tickets HERE.
- When: Tuesday 5 November, 6:30-9:30pm
- Where to find: Buxton Rd, Macclesfield SK1 0AR
Printworks Manchester Bonfire Spectacular
Manchester’s world of entertainment situated right in the city centre is even getting involved with the firework frenzy presenting a jam-packed night of free fun – though these fireworks have a big twist.
They’ll be showing a fireworks display on that huge new digital ceiling, meaning you can enjoy all the wonder of a classic display while staying warm and dry.
Special guest Nigel Clarke, known for his work on CBeebies and various kids channels is treating little ones to a ‘Relaxed hour’ with some campfire stories.
Two firework displays are taking place at 6 and 7pm with two DJ sets from Kai Ryan in between at 6-7:15pm to dance your heart out to.
Tickets aren’t required for this event and a free toffee apple will be handed out to each child that attends.
- When: Tuesday 5 November, 5-8pm
- Where to find: 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The skies above Manchester city centre will be sparkling this autumn when a huge Bonfire Night event takes over the city’s newest park.
The huge fireworks display comes from Freight Island and the acclaimed ‘Walk the Plank’ is set to take place over several evenings of Bonfire Night weekend.
There’ll even be free sparklers for kids when the festive event takes place between 1 and 3 November.
You can find out more HERE.
- When: 1-3 November, various times
- Where to find: 11 Baring Street, M1 2PY
Bowdon Bonfire 2024 at Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club
This Altrincham sports venue is spoiling its guests with not one but three fireworks displays and a traditional bonfire.
There will be stalls, refreshments and a BBQ with a stall selling everybody’s favourite sweet treats.
Three showings will be held at this site with children and young people advised to attend the 7-8pm displays as the 8:45pm slot will contain louder fireworks.
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought HERE.
- When: Friday 1 November, 6-10pm
- Where to find: South Downs Road, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
Fireworks at the Farm – Cockfields Farm Park
This Ashton farm is hosting a ‘low bang’ night perfectly designed for children and animals with lots of fun activities to get involved with including a bonfire.
There will be everything from a mini disco to an LED robot light show and in typical farm fashion, kids are also invited to the cuddle corner where they can see all the smaller animals up close.
An array of food will also be readily available from your typical jacket potatoes to pizza, hot dogs and donuts to tuck into as well.
If this has caught your attention, tickets are on sale HERE.
- When: Saturday, 2 November and Sunday 3 November, 5-8pm
- Where to find: Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night – Cavendish Community Primary School
Chorlton Fireworks is teaming up with a local primary school to create an incredible light display set to go off with a bang.
Get transported back to your childhood days as this event has its own tuck shop on site for snacks and drinks to enjoy while you marvel over the fireworks.
There’s also festival glitter on-hand meaning guests can soak up the action while shining as bright as the sky in front of them.
Anyone interested in attending can find tickets available HERE.
- When: Friday, 1 November, 5-7pm
- Where to find: Cavendish Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1JG
Bonfire Night at Ashton on Mersey Sports Club
Gates open at 5:30pm for this event with the bonfire lighting at 6:15pm, visitors at this sports club can expect a family-friendly night as thrilling as ever.
A selection of food and drinks will be served at this event including all your typical bonfire feasts to more gourmet options.
Parking at this event may be limited and anyone attending is being urged to walk where possible as no spaces are available on-site.
Tickets are on sale now HERE.
- When: Tuesday, 5 November, 5-9:30pm
- Where to find: Banky Lane, Sale, Greater Manchester M33 5SL
Rochdale Mayfield Firework Display
This local Greater Manchester town’s amateur rugby league football club is presenting its attendees with a bonfire night they’ll never forget as it won’t have a bonfire!
Their fantastic entertainment and fireworks will still be there as well as some tasty delights in the form of Rochdale street food and restaurant favourite, Bombay Brew.
If you intend on popping down for a funfilled night, guests are being encouraged to respect neighbours and their driveways.
Tickets are available as you arrive with both cash and card accepted at the gates.
- When: Friday, 1 November, 6:30pm – late
- Where to find: Keswick Street, Castleton, OL113AG
Littleborough Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework Display
Not too far from Rochdale, Littleborough Cricket Club are entertaining locals with a night of fireworks, food and fun.
There will be a fun fair, food stalls and two outdoor bars to cut down on those pesky queues that we Mancs always get caught up in.
What’s also special about this display is that little guests who are two and under even get into the venue for free here!
- When: Saturday, 2 November, 4pm onwards
- Where to find: Denhurst Rd, Littleborough OL15 9LD
Shaw Cricket Club Bonfire Night and Firework Extravaganza 2024
This annual event promises to be one to remember especially with the name ‘Extravaganza’ in its title.
Gates open at 4pm with rides and attractions starting at this time too in preparation for the bonfire and show later on in the evening.
Anyone planning on paying a visit is guided to take public transport such as the tram or walk to avoid congestion in the area.
Tickets can be found here.
- When: Saturday, 2 November, 4pm – late
- Where to find: Mark Lane, Shaw, OL2 8QG
Bonfire Night 2024 at The Church Inn
This family-friendly event boasts an epic fireworks show plus a live DJ, with an even more impressive bonfire over in Chadderton.
Food and beer will be flowing throughout the venue to keep you nice and toasty while the fireworks warm your heart and soul.
What’s even better about this display is that everyone under the age of 12 gets all of this for free!
- When: Saturday, 2 November, 6-11pm
- Where to find: Chadderton Fold, Chadderton, Oldham OL1 2RR
Werneth Low
For those who wish they had a clone, fear not, this Manchester skyline spot might just give you free access to multiple firework displays all at once.
With views across 0161, Liverpool and beyond, curious travellers are sure to see some incredible sights, especially across the firework-packed week and weekend.
There’s a pub not too far from this spot so you can really soak up the action with your phone recording the view in one hand and a pint fixed in the other.
- When: All throughout the upcoming weekend
- Where to find: Hyde SK14 3AA
Read more:
- Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks
- Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 – dates, locations, times, map and stalls
- Manchester’s iconic Christmas Markets mug designs revealed for 2024
We’ve also got some helpful tips for you to look after your furry friends on the big night.
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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons