Council issues details of bonfire and fireworks displays which are taking place this year after Big Bang event is scrapped

With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, many families will be looking forward to bonfire night season to brighten their autumn. 

It’s increasingly rare for councils to put on traditional fires, with cash-strapped local authorities across the country reigning in their festivities in the last few years in light of spiralling costs.

And while Oldham has for a long time resisted cutting its beloved Big Bang bonfire in Boundary Edge Park, the council has this year decided to follow suit. 

But there’s still plenty of activities taking place across the borough to celebrate November 5. 

Every year, Bonfire Night commemorates the failed gunpowder plot which sought to blow up the House of Lords and King James I in 1605.

The plot was famously initiated by Guy Fawkes, which is why the holiday is also known as Guy Fawkes Night.

Here is a breakdown of all the confirmed events taking place across the Oldham borough. 

Town centre celebration 

Oldham council may not be lighting a pyre this year, but they’ll still be putting on a party.

The family-friendly town centre celebration will include ‘crafts and entertainment’ from 4-6pm, offers of food and drinks from local eateries and a fireworks display from 6pm. 

Tuesday, November 5 – Oldham town centre.

Free admissions, not ticketed. Accessible. 
 
Shaw Cricket Club Bonfire Night and Firework Extravaganza 2024

Shaw Cricket Club promises a ‘night to remember’ at their annual bonfire event.

With a bar, food and fairground rides open from 4pm, the fire lighting at 6pm and fireworks from 7.30pm.

The organisers have asked attendees to consider using public transport to attend as there will be no parking at the club. 

Saturday, November 2 – Shaw Cricket Club, Mark Lane, OL2 8QG.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for kids or £15 for family (two adults, two kids).

Those with accessibility needs should email: treasurershawcc@gmail.com

Fireworks at the Farm – Cockfields Farm 

Cockfields Farm in Ashton is hosting a bonfire and ‘low bang’ firework display specially designed for children and animals.

The idea is to offer ‘all the excitement with less of the loud sounds’.

Fireworks will be set to classic ‘sing along’ Disney tunes.

Alongside food and drinks, there’ll be a mini disco, LED robot light show, carousel rides, petting zoo and a chance to feed the large barn animals. 

Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3 – Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR.

Tickets are £12.95 tickets and £3 for under one-year-olds.

Most of the site is wheelchair accessible. 

Bonfire Night at the Church Inn, Chadderton 

This family-run local will be throwing a bonfire party for all ages, with fireworks, a live DJ, traditional pub food and an outdoor bar.

The Church Inn’s self-described ‘spectacular evening’ kicks off at 6pm and runs until late. 

Saturday, November 2, 23 Chadderton Fold, Chadderton, Oldham OL1 2RR.

Tickets are £3.50 for adults and kids under 12 go free. Wheelchair accessible.
 
Grotton Bonfire and Firework Display – Grotton Pavilion 

The hugely popular community event by the Grotton Residents Association has already sold out.

Those lucky enough to have their hands on tickets can look forward to an impressively sized fire and a dazzling fireworks display over the Grotton Pavilion, hot food and a licensed bar, all soundtracked by Manchester DJ Andy Stott. 

Saturday, November 2 – Station Road, Grotton, OL4 5SF.

Tickets sold out. 
 
Royton Cricket, Bowling and Running Club Bonfire and Firework Display 2024
Royton Cricket club are also putting on a show on the weekend before Guy Fawkes Night.

The family bonfire and firework display will run from 3pm, with food, an indoor and outdoor bar, sweet stall and hot chocolate stand.

The organisers have warned attendees that visiting stalls only take cash and there’ll be no parking on site. 

Saturday, November 2 – Bransdale Avenue, Royton, Oldham, OL2 5TX.

Tickets are £6 for adults, £5 for children aged two to 15 and under ones go free. 

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