Bonfire is ready to make another big bang
Flameoz -fire show
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Oldham Council has confirmed to Saddleworth News the final arrangements and running order for families attending ‘The Big Bang’ bonfire at Oldham Edge.
Residents are invited to enjoy an evening of free entertainment at the grassed site, just outside Oldham town centre on Thursday, November 3.
You are advised to wear appropriate footwear, wrap up warm, arrive early and use public transport, if possible, to avoid high demand on town centre car parks.
The Oldham Edge site will open from 5pm, starting with a funfair and delicious food stalls. The fiery fun will start from 6pm onwards as the stage show begins and the bonfire is lit.
This year double British firework champions ‘Fantastic Fireworks’ will take centre stage with another masterclass in pyrotechnic performance choreographed to a carefully selected soundtrack.
Flame Oz will headline the show with an unrivalled ‘glow show’ display followed by a high energy fire dance and juggling extravaganza. Oldham’s own Juba do Leao are also returning with their Latin vibes and percussion to keep the audience dancing.
The honour of pushing the button and starting the display will once again go to the winner of a competition the council has been running on social media. Entries closed today.
Flameoz – standing in the fire
Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We’ve been planning the Big Bang for months and everything is ready, but there are some important reminders to the thousands of people who will be coming along on the night.
“Oldham Council’s town centre car parks and on-street parking bays are all free on Thursday from 3pm onwards but there will be a big demand for spaces so arrive early. Please use public transport, if you can.
“If you are driving remember that the car parks closest to the site, like the Civic Centre and Bradshaw Street always fill up early. Also be aware there’s no parking at Oldham Edge.
“The bonfire site is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and our team of volunteers will be on hand to show you the easiest and quickest walking routes, which are via Henshaw Street (opposite the rear of Tommyfield Market) and Horsedge Street, passing Blue Coat school.
“As you’ll know the weather is always hard to predict but it will be cold, so please wrap up warm and wear appropriate outdoor footwear and clothes. We’re monitoring the forecast and will quickly let you know if there is any further information you need to know via the usual media and social media channels.”
Revolution 96.2 is covering the build-up to the Big Bang on air during the day on 96.2FM, including the latest weather and parking information.
The following items – alcohol, sparklers, fireworks and fires – will not be permitted on site and will be confiscated. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No dogs, except assistance dogs, are allowed on site.
The fireworks will finish at around 7.30pm but the fairground and attractions will stay open until 8pm.
Anyone planning to take up free parking at Oldham Council-owned car parks should note that pay and display machines will be ‘bagged over’ so you do not need to take a ticket from 3pm onwards. On-street bays are also free during this period – these are not bagged over and you do not need to take a ticket.
New maps showing the layout and temporary parking restrictions in place around Oldham Edge – and one showing the location of all council-owned car parks – can be viewed online now at www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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