Manchester Bonfire Night 2026: Heaton Park & City Celebrations

Bonfire Night in Manchester

Manchester boasts some of the largest and most vibrant municipal Bonfire Night celebrations in Northern England. Organized by Manchester City Council, these free community events transform major public parks into dazzling autumn arenas filled with giant bonfires, pyrotechnic shows, and traditional North West food stalls.

Whether you visit the vast grounds of Heaton Park or the student heartland of Platt Fields Park, Manchester offers an electric atmosphere for November 5th.

Major Bonfire & Fireworks Venues in Manchester

  • Heaton Park (North Manchester): As one of Europe's largest municipal parks, Heaton Park hosts Manchester's flagship Bonfire Night event. Features a massive bonfire, epic fireworks display, and a huge funfair set against the backdrop of historic Heaton Hall.
  • Platt Fields Park (Fallowfield): Popular with students and South Manchester families, Platt Fields features an enormous central bonfire, food markets, and a spectacular fireworks show.
  • Peel Park & Wythenshawe Park: Wythenshawe Park in South Manchester and Peel Park in neighboring Salford host major family displays with early lighting times and funfair attractions.

Local Food Traditions: Black Peas & Parkin

Visiting a Manchester bonfire is an opportunity to sample authentic North West regional foods:

  • Black Peas: Also known as "parched peas", these dark maple peas are boiled until tender and served piping hot in paper cups with malt vinegar and salt.
  • Yorkshire & Lancashire Parkin: A rich, sticky ginger cake baked with black treacle and oatmeal, traditionally eaten around the fire.

Travel Guidance & Metrolink Tram Access

  • Event Schedule: Funfairs usually open at 5:00 PM, bonfires are lit at 7:30 PM, and main fireworks displays launch at 8:00 PM.
  • Metrolink Tram Access: For Heaton Park, take the Metrolink Tram directly to Heaton Park or Besses o' th' Barn stop. Trams run frequently from Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations.
  • Free Admission: Most official Manchester City Council park events are free entry, making them accessible for the entire community.

Interactive Event Map