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Bonfire Night in Manchester and the North

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Whether you’re looking for traditional Bonfire Night shenanigans or more alternative goings-on to mark the occasion, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Bonfire Night in Manchester and the North.

This year, Freight Island has teamed up with acclaimed purveyors of outdoor arts, Walk the Plank to present Fireworks & Fire Garden at Mayfield Park. Expect a fiery night-time promenade experience for all ages with dazzling fire sculptures and a fireworks display above the city.

For those looking further afield, Light Up Lancaster is a two-day festival of art and light that illuminates the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster; culminating with a grand finale when fireworks soar above Lancaster Castle. And the River of Light Festival usually graces Liverpool’s famous waterfront just in time for Bonfire Night, too. Take a jaunt along the 2km walking trail to see huge sculptures and a dramatic display of illuminated visual art and spectacular light projections.

Alternatively, you could head to one of Manchester’s vantage points, and stay warm and dry with the smuggest cocktail you’re ever likely to sip.

Remember, remember to get your plans in for the 5 November. It’ll be here before you know it.

Our top picks

The Carlton Club

The Carlton Club, Rowan Lodge, 113 Carlton Rd, Manchester, M16 8BE - Visit now

The Carlton Club will light up the skies of Whalley Range once more on Saturday 4 November. Gates open at 3:00 pm for indoor family-friendly activities with the firework display starting at 7:30 pm. With a toffee apple in one hand and a mulled wine in the other, you can expect a full-on traditional display of rockets, fountains, bangers and boomers followed by music and DJs inside.

Admission to the day event/ firework display is £10.00 for adults, £5.00 for kids (if you’re a member) and £12.00 for adults and £6.00 for kids (non-members). The Carlton Club Night will run from 8:00 pm till late – tickets are £5.00 (members) and £7.00 (non-members).

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Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S10 2LN - Visit now

Sheffield Botanical Gardens will be flooded with colour across the Bonfire Night weekend. Following a ‘Myths and Legends’ theme, Illuminate the Gardens promises to be a magical jaunt for all ages – with vibrant installations, walkabout performances, 2 fireworks displays and an immersive light show from the garden’s stunning glass pavilions. See one of Sheffield’s most wondrous venues as you’ve never seen it before.

Illuminate the Gardens takes place from 3 – 5 November and tickets are £18.00 for adults and £12.50 for children.

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20 Stories

20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

Grab a seat on the terrace of Manchester’s highest bar and restaurant and watch the night sky explode with colour. Keep warm (with blankets aplenty), sip on a cocktail and enjoy bursts of fireworks for miles around. While we can’t guarantee views as good elsewhere, take a look at our Roof Terraces In Manchester guide for more… down to earth alternatives.

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