The Oldham favourite firework event, Big Bang Bonfire, will no longer be held as its replaced by a new town centre event.

Oldham Council said the new event is to help promote visitors for businesses in the town centre. 

Named the Family Firework Evening it is being held on bonfire night this year, Tuesday November 5, in the town centre.

The council are encouraging families to visit the town centre and take advantage of the many offers that will be running at town centre eateries on the evening. 

They are also holding entertainment and crafts sessions for all to enjoy before the display, running from 4pm-6pm. 

Those attending the event can head down and find a spot to watch the fireworks, which will begin at 6pm. 

The Big Bang Bonfire held its 11th annual event last year and was traditionally held at Oldham Edge Playing Fields.

The bonfire at Oldham Edge Playing Fields (Image: Oldham Council)

It was the largest bonfire night event in Oldham and was attended by thousands every year. 

However, the final event saw visitor numbers drop from an estimated 8,000 in 2022 to only 5,000 in 2023.

The event was free to attend, meaning the council had to foot the bill and with costs rising across the board and fewer attendants, the price per attendee more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. 

With the event including a huge bonfire, a funfair and food vendors, costs continued to build and the final event ultimately cost £55,000 to hold, compared to the £41,696.35 of 2022.

However, the council didn't abandon the event due to costs, instead evaluating it as more beneficial in the town centre with differences.

In December, council leader Arooj Shah defended Big Bang Bonfire, saying it calmed the strain on emergency services as people attended it in a safe manner rather than holding their own unsafe events.