Oldham’s Big Bang Bonfire event will be going ahead today despite the cancellation of other Greater Manchester events.

The borough's free fireworks display, as well as a bonfire, fairground and stalls, are returning for a tenth year, after a post-Covid return in 2021.

Where and when it’s happening

The free event will be taking place at Oldham Edge Playing Fields, Henshaw Street, Oldham, OL1 3EN, on Thursday, November 3 from 5pm to 8.30pm.

Oldham Council has promised the event will be “one of the biggest, loudest and most colourful events of the year”.

Fire and ice-themed entertainment and a 20-minute firework show from Fantastic Fireworks will be there to entertain the crowds.

Schedule

Organisers have provided this schedule for the day’s event:

  • 5pm – Site opens at Oldham Edge including the fairground and food stalls
  • 6pm – The stage and fire show start
  • 6.05pm – The bonfire is lit
  • 7pm – Fantastic Fire and Ice Fireworks display
  • 7.20pm – Fireworks end
  • 8.30pm – Site closes

Kids must be accompanied

Children aged under 16 must be accompanied with a responsible adult, and no dogs, except assistance dogs, are allowed.

People are not allowed to bring in alcohol, gazebos, barbecues, fireworks and sparklers or light naked flames under safety rules.

Competition to turn on the fireworks

One child aged 12 or under was in with the chance of turning on this year’s fireworks.

The competition ran via Oldham Council’s website, and the winner was randomly chosen on Monday, November 1.

Entrants needed to be aged 12 or younger and live in the Oldham area.

How to get there

Tram

Derker is the nearest tram stop.

Bus

Henshaw Street is served by the 83, 84, 343, 350, and 425 bus services.

The 402 bus service goes to Unsworth way, a short walk away.

Services take about 10 minutes from Oldham town centre.

Walking and cycling

Oldham Edge playing fields are about a 15-to-20-minute walk from Oldham town centre, or just under 10 minutes by bicycle.

Car

All council-owned town centre car parks and on-street pay and display parking bays will be free from 3pm on the day of the bonfire.

Demand is expected to be high, so the council is recommending people take public transport where possible.

Free parking will also be available at the Town Square car park at Spindles Shopping Centre from 3pm until close.