Manchester City Council has confirmed that council-run Bonfire Night events and firework displays will not take place in Manchester parks this year. A series of large-scale Bonfire Night events have previously been held at eight Manchester parks every single year for the community to enjoy, including the likes of Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, Cringle Park and Debdale Park, but will not happen for the sixth year in a row.
Since the pandemic, Manchester City Council has moved away from hosting one-off large bonfire and firework events, and has instead opted to focus on delivering free, local events in partnership with communities, with a particular emphasis on children, young people, and their families. At this time of year, these include a range of autumnal and Halloween-themed activities for everyone to enjoy.
The council has moved away from hosting one-off large bonfire and firework events
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “In recent years, we’ve shifted our focus from hosting a few large-scale park events to supporting a wide variety of community-led activities throughout Autumn and Winter. These fun, free events have proven hugely popular, and this year’s programme begins during the October half term with Halloween-themed activities in our parks and neighbourhoods.
“We recognise that when communities come together to celebrate, it creates a positive energy and enriching experience for everyone involved which is why we’ll continue to review our events and activities offer, exploring new opportunities to bring more people together in our parks and green spaces to mark key moments throughout the year.
“We know that many families continue to worry about the cost-of-living which is why our activities are free and accessible to all children and young people in Manchester. Whether it’s a Halloween spooky trail, a visit to a museum or gallery or a sports session there something on offer for everyone.”
Council-run autumn and winter event programme highlights
Manchester City Council plans to adopt the same approach as last year with an Autumn and Winter Programme for 2025. The programme will launch in October with the half-term holiday events kickstarting this year’s activity. Here are just some of the many events taking place.
The Hidden Horrors Trail
The trail will take place at the following parks and green spaces during October half term: Heaton, Boggart, Crumpsall, Platt Fields, Alexandra Park, Chorlton Water Park, Debdale Park, Wythenshawe, Cringle Park and Fog Lane. Discover Halloween-themed trails and see how many of our creepy crawly characters you can find hidden around your local park. Free checklists are available so you can tick them off as you go.
Pumpkin carving
Celebrate spooky season with free pumpkin carving sessions happening across Manchester parks from October 27-31. All materials are provided. Plus, you’ll receive a pumpkin to take home. Sessions at multiple parks.
Spooky Storytime
Scary stories (but not too scary) for young children at Wythenshawe Park on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, 1.30pm- 2pm. Free and open access – no need to book.
Halloween Kitchen
Little ones can don their Halloween costumes and join in the Witches’ kitchen at the Horticultural Centre at Wythenshawe Park on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, 1pm-3pm, to make lots of spooky eats. Free, open access, no need to book and come in costume.
Halloween Party
Head to Wythenshawe Park for a spooktacular Halloween celebration hosted by Pebble and Friends. Taking place in the Park’s historic courtyard from October 26-31, 2pm-5pm, you can expect a jam-packed afternoon with a free disco and Halloween-themed crafts, a paint-a-pot activity, spooky temporary tattoos and a special ‘Drop Dead’ themed food menu. Costumes are encouraged. Perfect for families and Halloween lovers of all ages.
Welcome to the Spooky Library
Central Library is getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a very creepy and fun-filled, family Halloween experience on October 31, 1pm-4pm. Are you brave enough to enter the world of creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprises? Suitable for children aged 7-13, it’s free to enter and you can simply drop in. Fancy dress encouraged!
The last time Bonfire Night displays were held at Manchester parks was pre-Covid in 2019, but these have been cancelled and will not return for 2025. In terms of more seasonal events, this October will see the return of Halloween in the City, and an announcement is expected regarding the Christmas parade, which took place last year.
For more information on all the free events in parks, leisure centres, libraries, museums and galleries in the city, visit Loads to Do in Manchester website here.