THE Big Bang bonfire - Oldham Council’s spectacular free family event – is returning to Oldham Edge for 2018.

Organisers have again put together an evening packed full of entertainment, funfair rides, food stalls and fireworks to delight the crowds on Tuesday, November 6.

The Oldham Edge site will open at 5pm that evening with funfair rides and a variety of delicious grub on offer before the bonfire is lit at 6pm and the stage show gets underway.

This year’s fire-themed entertainment opens with an incredible Battle of the Oldham Edge Beasts as a fire breathing Dragon and Bat duel to be crowned the “King of the Night”.

Juggling Inferno will then headline the show with a dazzling fire dance performance before double British firework champions “Fantastic Fireworks” take centre stage with another explosive showcase of pyrotechnic brilliance in a musical firework finale.

Revolution 96.2 breakfast show star Elliot Eastwick is hosting proceedings throughout the night leading up to the fireworks display which could be visible across every corner of the borough from 7pm.

All event details can be found on our website at www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire - plus details of our special competition where one lucky local child can win the prize to push the big button and start the fireworks display (entries close at midnight on Sunday, November 4).

Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding said: “Our Big Bang bonfire is massively popular with residents and we’ve got another fantastic entertainment line-up for all the family to enjoy this year.

“The Big Bang is simply the best way to enjoy entertainment from the top fire display and fireworks professionals in the country – all for free, and in a safe environment.

“We work closely alongside the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and partners in the annual Treacle campaign to keep people safe from fires, injuries and nuisance.

“As part of that, The Big Bang helps significantly in easing the extreme pressure that can be put on our emergency services around this time of year.”

The build-up to The Big Bang will be covered during the day on-air on Revolution 96.2FM, including the latest weather and parking information. If weather conditions are thought to pose any threat to public safety in the build-up to the event then some aspects could be cancelled.

All council-owned town centre car parks will be free of charge from 3pm on the day, including the on-street bays, but demand will be high so people are advised to use public transport where possible.

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, and we do ask that you don’t bring your dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs, on site. Before the Big Bang event, Spooky Saturday takes place at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre on Saturday (October 27), from 11am to 3pm, where there will be free face painting, balloon modelling, Halloween crafts and Halloween characters.