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Council cancels Bonfire Night firework displays in Manchester over ‘escalating costs’

Manchester City Council says the decision to cancel events this year is due to a "combination of factors".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 12th October 2022

Manchester City Council has announced that all its free Bonfire Night events across Manchester have been cancelled for 2022.

Following a string of recent cancellations over the past couple of years due to restrictions in place amid the the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council has once again announced that the skies across the city will not be lit up again this year.

Council-run events have previously been held in eight parks including Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, Cringle Park, Debdale Park, and Wythenshawe Park – but it’s believed none of these will take place in 2022.

The Council says the decision to cancel events this year is due to a “combination of factors”.

Bonfire Night firework displays in Manchester cancelled over ‘escalating costs’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Announcing the cancellation of events in 2022, Manchester City Council said in a statement released this morning: “Council-organised bonfire events will not be reintroduced in Manchester Parks this year, following a two-year lay-off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“A combination of factors including the escalating costs of delivering large bonfire events, increasing safety and organisational measures needed and increased pressure on Council budgets have ultimately led to the decision.

“The Council will assess the impact of this year’s events not going ahead as part of a review into the approach to future bonfire events.”

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The statement continued: “The Council is reprioritising its neighbourhoods funding to focus on a program of community events and activities throughout the winter focussing on fun, free activities for families and young people.

“Such events include October’s half-term school holiday activity programme, a fun packed week of sports activities, family events, outdoor adventures and cultural activity to keep youngsters and their families entertained and fulfilled during school holidays.”

Featured Image – Pixabay