The Big Bang gets the go-ahead
Oldham Council can confirm that tonight’s ‘The Big Bang’ civic bonfire event will go ahead at Oldham Edge.
Officials have been monitoring the weather in the run-up to Bonfire Night after the Met Office issued a cold weather alert.
Although the weather forecast is changeable with spells of rain and grass frost expected, the event has been given the thumbs-up to proceed – barring any late unexpected change in conditions.
People are again reminded to wear sturdy appropriate footwear – like walking boots –wrap up warm, arrive early and use public transport to avoid high demand on town centre car parking.
The event is sponsored by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and your host for the evening is 96.2FM The Revolution’s ‘Big Al’.
Gates open at 5pm with on-stage entertainment set to start at 6pm featuring:
* The Big Band at 7pm. Fireworks display choreographed to Sci-Fi blockbuster music
* Fire juggling, eat and dancing from Juggling Inferno
* Rhythm and dance from Brazilian band Juba de Leao
* Lighting of the bonfire
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, said: “It’s all systems go for The Big Bang and we’re ready for a great night of free family entertainment.”
“Public safety is our clear priority so we’ve been monitoring the weather constantly, but everything looks fine at present. The ground at Oldham Edge is in decent condition but we’re still reminding people to wear sturdy outdoor footwear and wrap up warm.
“We’d again like to remind people again to arrive early and use public transport to avoid high demand on town centre car parking.
“All Council-owned car parks and on-street bays are free from 3pm today – and you do not need to take a ticket – but they will fill up very quickly with gates opening at the site at 5pm.
"No car parking is available at the Oldham Edge site itself and you should consider using the car parks located further away from Oldham Edge – like Hobson Street. A full map of the site and the car parks can be viewed online at http://www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire
“We have a team of volunteers in the town centre in green bibs who – along with street signs – will help direct pedestrians to the site which is just a few minutes’ walk away and best accessed via Henshaw Street, at the rear of Tommyfield Market, and Horsedge Street, going up past Blue Coat school.
“As this event is all about fire safety, we must also insist that no alcohol, sparklers, fireworks, gazebos, fires and barbecues, fires and barbecues are taken onto the site. Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by a responsible adult.”
The Big Bang entertainment line-up includes small children’s funfair rides and activities, plus food stalls selling traditional bonfire food. Stalls will be selling traditional Autumn food. No alcohol will be on sale on the site.
Greater Manchester Fire Service and Greater Manchester Police have been central to our planning to ensure the highest possible standards of safety and event planning.
Fire marshals and first-aid personnel will be in attendance, plus SIA-registered stewards who are highly experienced at events management.
Residents are also advised to plan in advance to keep family pets safe on Bonfire Night.
Go to http://www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire for all the details about free parking, how to get to Oldham Edge and what to wear – plus full details of the spectacular entertainment line-up.
You can also keep in touch by checking our updates on Facebook and Twitter – using the #LoveOldham hashtag.
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