Oldham urged to stay safe on Bonfire Night

People in Oldham are being urged to stay safe during Bonfire Night and attend the town's official Big Bang Bonfire event next week.

With Guy Fawkes Night known for being one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services, Oldham Council say they have worked closely with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to organise a bonfire event that residents can enjoy and feel safe at.

There will be lots of free entertainment, including a fairground, breath-taking fire show, local music and dance performances, and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Communities, said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Big Bang Bonfire.

“It ticks all of the boxes for a great bonfire event with classic fairground entertainment, amazing food stalls, astonishing fire shows, and fantastic fireworks from one of the nation’s best display teams.

“So why bother spending your own money and taking risks with low-calibre fireworks in the back garden when you can enjoy all of this in a stunning, safe and free event? It’s the perfect family night out.

“The emergency services are extremely busy around this time of year, especially on Bonfire Night when we see a number of unsafe fires and anti-social behaviour.

“We’ve worked alongside the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to put on this event on to provide you with a safe environment to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night, so please come down and join us.

“Make sure you wrap up warm and wear appropriate clothing on the night – the temperatures have been dropping lately so it’s best to keep the shorts and sandals at home.

“The bonfire site is just a short walk from the town centre and our team of volunteers will be on hand to show you the easiest and quickest walking routes which are via Henshaw Street (opposite the rear of Tommyfield Market) and Horsedge Street, passing Blue Coat school.” 

An ‘atmospheric’ soundscape of fireworks will bring the Apollo 11 space mission back to life, 50 years on from the famous Moon Landing, as part of this year’s event on Oldham Edge Playing Fields.

The display, from double UK fireworks champion Fantastic Fireworks, is joined by a breath-taking medieval show full of fire manipulation from Pyronix, and music and dance performances from local youth-led, fusion music and performance project Jubacana.

There will also be funfair rides and mouth-watering food from local stalls for visitors to enjoy.

Full running order (subject to change):

5pm – Site opens at Oldham Edge including the fairground and food stalls

6pm – The stage show starts and the fire show

6.05pm – Small fire juggling performance and the bonfire is lit

6.15pm – Jubacana (Music and dance performance)

6.30pm – Main fire show: Pyronix Fire

6.55pm – Push the button competition

7pm – Fantastic Fireworks display

7.20pm – Fireworks end

8.30pm – Fairground closes

Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and wrap up warm for the event, and the council are encouraging visitors to arrive early and use public transport, if possible, to avoid high demand on car parks.

Revolution 96.2 breakfast show host Elliot Eastwick will be DJ for the proceedings leading up to the grand fireworks finale.

The honour of pushing the button to start our display again goes to the winner of the council's competition for local children. 

You can park for free in all council-owned town centre car parks and on-street pay and display parking bays from 3pm on the day. To find your nearest car park, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/parking

The following items will not be permitted on site and will be confiscated; alcohol, gazebos, fires, barbecues, fireworks, sparklers or any naked flames.

Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and the council ask that you don’t bring your dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs, on site.