Family fun on the bonfire of vanity projects

Manchester can't afford Bonfire Night celebrations, but spent millions on an arts venue most people won't visit. Do those in charge realise what they're taking away?

- EMMA GILL

BONFIRE Night has been a family tradition for generations of children growing up in Manchester.

With giant firework displays and fires open to the public at the likes of Heaton Park, it was where thousands would head for the celebration knowing they'd be in for a fun night.

Since Covid, events like this still haven't returned and this week Manchester City Council announced that once again there will be no bonfire at Heaton Park. While similar events at eight parks, including Platt Fields Park, Cringle Park, Debdale Park and Wythenshawe Park, will also not be taking place and have not returned since 2019.

Confirming the decision, the council said it had 'reprioritised' funding, which used towards supporting and enhancing 'the delivery of a wide range of free, community focused activities in parks across the city.

As an alternative, the council says it's engaged with community partners to develop a programme of autumn and winter events in the wards which had previously held those events. In previous years such events have included pumpkin carving, Halloween in the City and the Christmas parade.

There's no disputing that those are decent events, although the latter two are city centre based and that comes with added costs for families, many of whom are struggling more than ever with the ongoing cost of living crisis.