Salford Council have announced the cancellation of the Bonfire and Firework events at Buile Hill Park on Friday 5 November and Prince’s Park, Irlam on Saturday 6 November.
“This decision” say the council, “has been taken after consideration of advice from public health colleagues, the emergency services, event professionals and Transport for Greater Manchester.
Factors included the possibility of unanticipated levels of attendance after other events in the area were cancelled, capacity of services supporting the event and the local area, including access for emergency medical help which is under huge pressures currently.
That coupled with high COVID rates across the city and Greater Manchester, it was agreed by all city partners that cancelling was the right decision.
Salford City Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard said: “Whilst we regret to have to make this late decision, the safety of our residents at events like this is at the forefront of our thinking and of utmost importance. We have hosted successful bonfire events in the city for our residents for over 20 years and hope to continue to do so in the future. But for this year, we need to follow advice to keep people safe. Please ensure you stay safe if you celebrate at home.”
Salford Division Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan at Greater Manchester Police said: “After much deliberation with all organisations involved, cancelling these events is unfortunate, but is the right decision to take. With the additional pressures of increased attendance, it would simply be impossible to make these safe events for all attendees.”
