Manchester’s firework displays confirmed to return next year

Council-organised firework displays in Manchester’s parks are set to return in 2026.

Displays have not taken part since 2019, when they were originally halted due to the COVID pandemic.

Following that, they remained paused on a trial basis while the Council sought to reprioritise funding to support a wider range of free community events across the city throughout autumn and winter.

Now, due in part to ‘an improving financial position’, the council says it is in a position to bring firework events back to the city, while continuing to support other community events.

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “Manchester prides itself on free community events and we know many people have missed Bonfire night firework spectaculars. That’s why we are pleased to confirm they’ll be back by popular demand in 2026.

“We know that generations of Mancunians have enjoyed council-organised displays and that free family events are a great way to bring people together.

“That’s why when funding was squeezed we sought to support a wider range of community events over a longer period.

“But now that this Government is actually investing in councils like ours rather than the cuts we had from Governments since 2010, we can bring back bonfire events while continuing to back other free events across the city.

“In the coming months we will talk about our investments in communities, cleaning our streets, frontline services, young people and many more initiatives that will make Manchester better, but for now here’s one example of reversing cuts to our city and building up for a spectacular 2026.”