Bonfire Night: Firework display cancelled in Salford due to Covid

Salford's Bonfire Night and firework displays will not go ahead this year.

The city council 'regret to announce the cancellation' of the event at Buile Hill Park on Friday 5 November and Prince’s Park, Irlam on Saturday 6 November.

Greater Manchester Police say it would 'simply be impossible' to make the events safe.

The gatherings attract thousands every year, but organisers say they have taken advice to cancel it from public health, emergency services, and Transport for Greater Manchester.

They fear there could be 'unanticipated levels of attendance' after other cancelled events in the area, including Manchester, and the pressures it could have on emergency services.

That coupled with high coronavirus infection rates across the region. 

Salford City Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard said: “Whilst we regret to have to make this late decision, the safety of our residents at events like this is at the forefront of our thinking and of utmost importance.

"We have hosted successful bonfire events in the city for our residents for over 20 years and hope to continue to do so in the future. But for this year, we need to follow advice to keep people safe. Please ensure you stay safe if you celebrate at home.”

 Salford Division Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan at Greater Manchester Police said: “After much deliberation with all organisations involved, cancelling these events is unfortunate, but is the right decision to take.

"With the additional pressures of increased attendance, it would simply be impossible to make these safe events for all attendees.”