Following Manchester City Council’s “reluctant” announcement last month that it is cancelling its eight organised firework displays and bonfire events across the borough, citing that the decision was based on current government advice that large-scale outdoor events with close density crowds should “require attendees to prove their COVID-19 status”, Salford City Council has also followed suit.
Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police issued a joint statement yesterday confirming that its two bonfire events at Buile Hill Park on Friday 5 November, and at Prince’s Park in Irlam on Saturday 6 November, are called off after “extensive consultation”.
The Council confirmed in the statement that this decision has been taken after “consideration of advice from public health colleagues, the emergency services, event professionals and Transport for Greater Manchester.”
The statement continued: “Factors included the possibility of unanticipated levels of attendance after other events in the area were cancelled, capacity of services supporting the event and the local area, including access for emergency medical help which is under huge pressures currently.
“That coupled with high COVID rates across the city and Greater Manchester, it was agreed by all city partners that cancelling was the right decision.”
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Bonfire and firework events at Buile Hill and Prince’s Park have both been called off this year / Credit: PxHere
Giving further insight into the decision taken, Tom Stannard – Chief Executive at Salford City Council – said: “Whilst we regret to have to make this late decision, the safety of our residents at events like this is at the forefront of our thinking and of utmost importance.
“We have hosted successful bonfire events in the city for our residents for over 20 years and hope to continue to do so in the future.
“But for this year, we need to follow advice to keep people safe. Please ensure you stay safe if you celebrate at home.”
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Shaun Donnellan – Salford Division Chief Superintendent at Greater Manchester Police – added: “After much deliberation with all organisations involved, cancelling these events is unfortunate, but is the right decision to take.
“With the additional pressures of increased attendance, it would simply be impossible to make these safe events for all attendees.”
Featured Image – Flickr
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd November 2021 
