Top Five: Bonfire Night events in Greater Manchester

Yes, it’s that time of year again. To the dismay of dogs (and their owners), the air will soon be booming with the sound of fireworks. There are loads of bonfires and fireworks displays taking place throughout the area, and we’ve gone through them all to come up with five of the best. Here they are, in no particular order…

Heaton Park
One of the biggest celebrations in the region, the Heaton Park event is a perennial favourite. The evening begins with a funfair and stalls selling tasty treats. Later, the giant bonfire will be lit, and the night ends with a huge fireworks display. The event can get very crowded, so be sure to arrive early.

Mon 5 Nov, Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Manchester, M25 2SW, 5pm – 9.30pm (funfair), 7.30pm (bonfire and fireworks), FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk/events

Etihad Stadium
Be prepared: this event is coming up very soon. Jumping the gun and mixing up their holidays, the Etihad is celebrating Bonfire Night on Halloween. There’s seemingly no bonfire (boo!), but there is a fireworks display and a funfair.

Wed 31 Oct, Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Road, Manchester, M11 3FF, 5pm – 9.30pm (funfair), 7.30pm (fireworks), FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk/events

Platt Fields Park
Here’s one for our Fallowfield friends. As with the Heaton Park event, there’s a bonfire, fireworks, and a funfair. It’s Council-run, so don’t expect it to be too wild. Parking on site is limited, so the organisers are encouraging people to use public transport.

Mon 5 Nov, Platt Fields Park, Langley Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA, 5pm – 9.30pm (funfair), 7.30pm (bonfire and fireworks), FREE, www.manchester.gov.uk/events

Stockport Cricket Ground
Here’s something for the weekend. The bonfire night event has been a fixture at the club for over a quarter of a century. There’s a funfair for children of all ages, and a BBQ will serve hot food and a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks. The night concludes with an 18-minute-long fireworks display. You have to pay to get in, but the money raised goes to the club’s sports teams. Tickets can be bought on the door.

Sat 3 Nov, Stockport Cricket Ground, 75 Beech Road, Stockport, SK3 8H, From 6pm, £6/£2 (conc.), facebook.com/Stockport-Cricket-Club

Buile Hill Park
This is one of two events organised by Salford Council, the other being at Prince’s Park, Irlam. The attraction of this one is Little Sparks in the Park, a ten-minute, low noise show for families with children under seven. This takes place a little earlier than the main event. All the usual stuff is there too, including the inevitable funfair.

Mon 5 Nov, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Old Road, Salford, M6 8GL, 5pm – 6pm (Little Sparks), 6pm – 9pm (main event), FREE, www.salford.gov.uk/events