Last Updated on 5 January 2026 by Colette
Sadly, and somewhat predictably, Manchester City Council announced they would not be hosting free organised bonfire night events a couple of years ago citing spiralling costs and budget constraints as well as environmental and, health and safety concerns. This means that the huge free Heaton Park bonfire and fireworks event was cancelled amongst others in the Manchester area.
As of 5th October 2023, Manchester City Council confirmed that there will be no council run bonfire night events in Manchester parks this year or in the future as they feel the money is better spent elsewhere.
You can find a list of bonfire night events in Manchester that are going ahead.
After free bonfire night events in Manchester were cancelled for a second year due to COVID restrictions, Manchester City Council announced that they simply couldn’t afford to bring them back for bonfire night 2022 and later confirmed that this would be the case for 2023 and beyond.
The fact that there will be no bonfire at Heaton Park this year does of course mean there will be considerably increased demand for other bonfire night events in the Manchester area.
Salford Council have confirmed two free, organised events and Rochdale have confirmed their usual three organised fireworks displays across the area for 2025. Oldham Council have not yet announced whether they plan to host the annual “Big Bang” event this year or stick with the “family fireworks event” format they introduced in 2024. I will of course update this information as details come to light.
It’s worth noting that Leeds City Council also announced they would not be hosting events a couple of years ago in order to save money so I really wouldn’t be surprised if other councils didn’t follow suit.
Have a look at these posts next:
What to wear for bonfire night
Everything you need to know about Heaton Park
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Is there a bonfire 🔥 at heaton park tonight? 07951495645
No, as the article states, the bonfire in Heaton Park has been cancelled and Manchester City Council have no plans to bring it back.