Top 5: Greater Manchester Bonfires & Fireworks Displays inc. Platt Fields

There are loads of bonfires and fireworks displays to chose from in the Manchester area, so we’ve gone through the list and come up with five of the best…

Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield
The biggest and most popular event in the south side of the city takes place in the picturesque setting of Platt Fields Park. Celebrations kick off at 5pm with a funfair, and the bonfire and fireworks begin at 7.30pm. Parking on site is limited, so the organisers advise arriving an hour before the bonfire, or travelling by public transport. N.B. It’s a Council-run affair so you’re not allowed to bring any booze… or fireworks.
Sat 5 Nov, Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA, Tel: 0161 224 2902, 5pm-9.30pm, FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk

Heaton Park, Blackley
The Heaton Park event generally has one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the area. You’ll probably be able to see it from miles around, but why not join in the fun at the park itself and bask in the glow of the fire? Like the event above, it’s Council run and so has the same itinerary: a funfair from 5pm, followed by the main attractions from 7.30pm. The park can be easily reached via the local Metrolink stop.
Sat 5 Nov, Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, M25 2SW, 5pm -9.30pm, Tel: 0161 258 4476, FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk

Horse and Jockey, Chorlton
This quaint pub by Chorlton’s village green hosts an event every year, and it’s always hugely popular. It doesn’t have a bonfire, but there are two lots of firefowrks: one for kids at 7pm, and one at 9pm for adults. There will be an outside bar and a barbeque all evening. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Chorlton Metro stop, at the end of Beech Road.
Sat 5 Nov, The Horse and Jockey, The Green, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9HS, Tel: 0161 860 7794, From 7pm, FREE entry, www.horseandjockeychorlton.com

Buile Hill Park, Salford
The major bonfire west of the river begins at 5pm with a funfair. Hotdogs, candy floss, and burgers will be available across the site. The bonfire and fireworks begin at 7pm. There is no parking on site, but the venue is a short walk from Salford Crescent railway station and Weaste Metrolink stop.
Sat 5 Nov, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Old Road, Salford, M6 8GL, Tel: 0161 793 2433, 5.00pm – 9.30pm, FREE, www.visitsalford.info

The Trafford Centre
Just to be awkward, the Trafford Centre is holding its celebration on the day after Bonfire Night. There’s no fire, but in Barton Square there will be a huge load of fireworks choreographed to music.
Sun 6 Nov, Trafford Centre, Barton Square, Trafford, M17 8AA, Tel. 0161 749 1717, 6.30pm, FREE, intu.co.uk