Ever since 1606, the UK celebrates Bonfire Night to commemorate the failed attempts of the Gunpowder Plot on November 5th, 1605.
The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt to assassinate King James I of England during the opening of Parliament, this was organized by a group of Catholic English, in hopes of getting rid of the Protestant King and establish Catholic rule in England. However, an anonymous tip got them discovered, and the plan failed...
Now as a symbol of their failed attempt, people all over the UK celebrate in various ways, such as parades, fireworks, bonfires, and food!
And even though Manchester Council has been cancelling a lot of the bonfires this year, we've brought you a selection of affordable and close-by bonfire and firework display nights recommendations for this year!
(Most are free and take under an hour to get there by public transport)
Starting by the main two put on by the Salford Council, these two nights are free to attend and very close to campus!
This night on Eccles Old Road has a lot to look forward to, including a funfair, a fireworks display, and even a fire walk! And although they won't have a bonfire this year, you can still enjoy some marshmallow toasting!
Date: November 2nd
Time: 4pm
Address: Eccles Old Road, Eccles M6 8GL
If bonfires are a non-negotiable, then, this display in Liverpool Road is for you. Enjoy a Bonfire and Firework display Night alongside a funfair, food and drinks!
Date: November 3rd
Time: 4pm
Address: Prince’s Park, Liverpool Road, Irlam M44 6BJ
You could even go to both of them back-to-back! Thanks Salford City Council!
If you want to get into town, this event is certaintly the one for you! This event goes on for THREE nights, pro mising a time filled with great music, snacks and drinks, you don’t want to miss it!
Date: November 1st – 3rd
Time: 5:30pm
Ticket Price: £12 for adults, £8 for children (3 - 16), £35 for families (2 adults, 2 children) (+booking fee)
Address: Boardman Gate Entrance, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
If you’re willing to go further away here’s some other FREE events around Greater Manchester, still around 1 hour away!
This night includes Sunday Roasts, a Funfair, bonfire night food and a firework display.
Date: November 3rd & 5th
Time: 7pm
Address: 1 Irish Town Way, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 0AE
Rochdale Council Firework Nights
The Rochdale Council has put on THREE free events this year. On November 4th with the Middleton Bonfire and Fireworks Display, November 6th with the Heywood Bonfire and Fireworks Display, and November 7th with the Rochdale Bonfire and Fireworks Display . All of these promise lots of fun an d they’re close to Salford!
Date: November 4th, 6th, and 7th
Time: 7pm (for all)
If you don't mind paying for a fun night, the following events are close to Salford! (and not that expensive)
This night offers a fun firework display alongside a bonfire!
Date: November 2nd
Time: 5pm
Price: £6 for adults, £4 for children, under 3s g o free, £16 family tickets
Address: Harbour Lane, Milnrow, OL16 4HF
Here, you can enjoy heritage rides, hot food, treats and a bring a guy competition, lots of variety!
Date: November 2nd
Time: 6pm
Price: £7.50 adults, £2.50 children, children under 3 free
Address: North East Cheshire Drag Hunt, Higher Green Lane, Manchester, M29 7, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a great show including loads of elements, then this night is for you. Alongside the fireworks you can watch mesmerizing fountains, sky - high rockets, stunning cascades , while enjoying food and refreshments of all kinds . It is a stunning show you can’t miss!
Date: November 3rd
Time: 4pm
Price: £6 general sale
Address: Aldwinians RUFC, Audenshaw Park, Droylsden Road, Audenshaw, M34 5SN
Finally, if you just want a great show and don’t mind paying a few extra quid or travelling a bit further away the following are events you can’t miss!
An spectacular show with tons of people attending, including bars , BBQs, stalls , rides and various sets of firework shows for everyone!
Date: November 1st
Time: 6pm
Price: £8 for children (3 - 13), £15 adults, £40 family ticket (2adults +2 children)
Address: South Downs Rd, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
Last but not least, this night is a classic for Oldham, with a colourful show with funfair rides and amazing food. Enjoy their themed fire entertainment shows that vary from the ‘Battle of the Oldham Edge Beasts’ to the amazing ‘Juggling Inferno’, including of course an amazin g firework display.
Date: November 6th
Time: 5pm
Address: Oldham Edge, Oldham, Lancashire, OL1 2HD
There you have it! Several accessible and affordable Bonfire Night recommendations for this year! We hope you have a fun night and can experience amazing shows!
What was your favourite bonfire night display last year? Let us know in the comments!