Bonfire Night is almost upon us and there are no shortage of ways to mark the occasion in Manchester. From free displays in the park to digital fireworks and low-noise alternatives for little ones, here’s our pick of the best Bonfire Night events in the city and beyond.
Not keen on standing around in the cold and wet? The Printworks offers an indoor alternative, transforming its enormous digital ceiling into a spectacular virtual fireworks display, complete with lights and surround sound. The evening includes special storytime sessions with BBC Radio presenter Katie Thistleton and superstar puppet Hacker T Dog. There’s also an SEN-friendly session, free sweets, a musical fireworks experience and a live choir. The programme runs from 4.30pm – 7pm, with the main digital display at 6.15pm.
Reddish Vale Farm swaps the usual bonfire-night formula for a festival-style evening, with a Pyrotex fireworks display choreographed to music, live fire performers, outdoor play and marshmallow toasting. It’s a good shout for families looking to combine the fireworks with other activities rather than simply turning up for the main event.
For a family fireworks night with a difference, head to Cockfields Farm, where the displays are set to Disney songs and designed to be lower in noise than traditional fireworks shows. The farm opens at 4pm, giving families time to explore before the fireworks begin at 7pm. Food trucks will be serving hot food and sweet treats, and you can pick up an optional s’mores kit for toasting marshmallows over an open flame. It’s a particularly appealing option for younger children who want the excitement of Bonfire Night without quite so much noise. Book early for the best ticket prices.
After a five-year break, Manchester’s major public fireworks celebrations are back. Three of the city’s biggest parks will host free events, with an afternoon of family entertainment, fairground attractions, food and drink stalls, and lantern parades. There won’t be bonfires at the events – but it’ll still be a fantastic way to get together as the dark evenings draw in.
At each event, there’s an early, reduced-noise fireworks display at 5pm, designed with younger children and people who prefer a quieter experience in mind, followed by the main musical fireworks spectacular at 8pm. Events open at 3pm, with storytelling, activities and plenty to keep everyone entertained before the sky lights up.
The annual West Didsbury & Chorlton fireworks display returns on Sunday 8 November, bringing a bonfire, fireworks and an evening of food, drink and entertainment. Gates open at 5.30pm, and this is an all-ticket event, so book early to avoid missing out. Tickets cost £10 for adults aged 16 and over, £5 for children aged 3–15, and £25 for a family of two adults and two children. Under-threes go free. There’s no parking for cars or cycles at the ground, so plan to walk, use public transport or park elsewhere. Note that parking is also restricted in the neighbouring Chorltonville area.
- Words:
- Sarah Tierney
- Published on:
- Thu 22 Oct 2026
Salford gets the celebrations started early with two free events. Buile Hill Park hosts a family-friendly evening on Saturday, with three fireworks displays ranging from a quieter show for younger children to a louder finale. There’ll also be a funfair, food and drink stalls, marshmallow toasting and a fire walk. On Sunday, the festivities move to Prince’s Park in Irlam for a more traditional celebration, complete with a bonfire, fairground attractions, food stalls and musical fireworks. Both events start at 4pm, so there’s plenty of time to settle in before the displays begin.