People are being encouraged to enjoy the thrill of Bonfire Night at one of Bolton’s officially authorised celebrations, as Bolton Council urges people not to organise unlicensed events.
Ten events are happening right across the town.
- Saturday, October 17 – Bradshaw Cricket Club. Gates open 6.30pm, fireworks 8pm
- Saturday, October 24 – Kearsley Cricket Club. Gates open 5pm, fireworks 6pm
- Wednesday, October 28 – Egerton Cricket Club. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 8pm
- Friday, October 30 – Farnworth Cricket Club. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 7.15pm
- Friday, October 30 – Tonge Cricket Club, Gates open 5pm, fireworks 8pm
- Sunday, November 1 – Horwich RMI Cricket Club. Gates open 6pm, fireworks 7.45pm
- Friday, November 6 – Westhoughton Cricket Club. Gates open 4pm, fireworks 8pm
- Friday, November 6 – The Hive (tots and child friendly). 5.30pm
- Saturday, November 7 – Daisy Hill Cricket Club. Gates open 5pm, fireworks 7.30pm
- Saturday, November 7 – Darcey Lever Hacken Lane. Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks 8.15pm
- Sunday, November 8 – Friends of Bolton School. Gates open 4.30pm, fireworks 7pm
Public bonfires are only licensed if they meet strict safety standards and bonfire materials are stored in line with regulations to minimise the risk of accidental fires.
Several large unapproved bonfires on land owned by the council or Be One Hones were removed in recent years over fears of the impact of smoke and noise on people living nearby, damage to grassed areas and the chance of fires spreading.
Last year, fire crews put out a fire that spread to nearby trees and two cars that caught light, as they dealt with multiple blazes in Bolton.
Another concern is antisocial behaviour, with one teenage boy arrested in Halliwell last year after reports of youths throwing fireworks in the street.
Anyone who does decide to have fireworks at home is being urged by the fire service to be fully mindful of the dangers and carefully follow the fireworks code.
Bolton Council Executive Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Hamid Khurram, said:
“Most people enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly, and I’m pleased that the number of incidents like problem fires, hoax calls and antisocial behaviour fell sharply last year.
“But unlicensed events and carelessness with fires and fireworks poses a serious risk of injury and damage.
“Please be safe and sensible and enjoy bonfire night at a properly organised and licensed event.”