‘The Big Bang’: Final running order and line-up confirmed
Fire Man Dave
Oldham Council can reveal the final arrangements and running order for ‘The Big Bang’ at Oldham Edge on Bonfire Night.
Residents are invited to enjoy an evening of free family entertainment at the grassed parkland site, near to Oldham Town Centre, on Wednesday, November 5.
You are advised to wear appropriate footwear, wrap up warm, arrive early and use public transport to avoid high demand on town centre car parking.
Gates open at 5pm with a funfair, street entertainment and food stalls.
The final running order for the event – sponsored by Oldham Housing Investment Partnership (OHIP) and the NSL Group – can now be revealed.
Elliot Eastwick, popular breakfast show host at Revolution 96.2, will compere the evening and starts a stageshow packed with professional performances at 6pm.
First up will be rhythms and dance from Juba de Leao, the Oldham-based Brazilian band whose floor-shaking beats and vibrant moves proved a real hit last year.
The bonfire will then be lit at around 6.20pm before our Gandini Jugglers take to the stage to showcase amazing ‘glow’ routines marrying virtuoso juggling to advanced light technology.
Things then warm up even further as The Firenzy Fire Show, led by The Fire Man Dave, delivers the big finale – a madcap show featuring fire eating, fire hula hoopa and fire juggling – plus skills and comedy aplenty.
Competition winner James Garfin, 7, from Hodge Clough primary school, will then step up to push the big button and launch this year’s fireworks display: another stunning pyrotechnics masterclass set to hit songs from ITV’s The X Factor.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism, said: “Almost everything is in place for The Big Bang but there are some important reminders to everyone planning to bring their family to Oldham Edge.”
Councillor Jean Stretton drawing the lucky winner from the prize draw today
“Oldham Council’s town centre car parks and on-street parking bays are all free on the day from 3pm – and other pay and display sites are available – but there’s likely to be a big demand for spaces. We’d urge people to plan ahead, park as far away from Oldham Edge as you can, and please use public transport if possible.
“We know the council-owned car parks closest to the site – like the Civic Centre and Bradshaw Street, off St Mary’s Way – will fill up very early. You should consider using other sites like Hobson Street, if travelling by car, and be aware there’s no parking at Oldham Edge itself.
“We’ve put up temporary street signs and also have a team of volunteers in bibs around the town centre to help you get to the bonfire. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the bus station and the best walking routes from the town centre are via Henshaw Street (opposite the rear of Tommyfield Market) and Horsedge Street, going up past Blue Coat school.
“Finally, the weather is always an unknown factor – but we do know it will be cold! Please wrap up warm and remember that Oldham Edge is a grassed playing field site, so you should wear appropriate footwear and clothing – not your best clothes.
“We’re now monitoring weather forecasts around the clock and will quickly publicise any important advice using all the usual channels.”
Revolution 96.2 will be covering the build-up to The Big Bang on-air during the day on 96.2FM, including all the latest information on weather and parking.
People planning to take advantage of free parking at Oldham-Council owned car parks on November 5 should note that pay and display machines will be ‘bagged over’ so you do not need to take a ticket from 3pm onwards.
The council’s on-street parking bays in the town centre are also free during this period. Again, these are bagged over and you do not need to take a ticket.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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