Are you ready for the 'spectacular' Big Bang?

The final arrangements and running order for families attending ‘The Big Bang’ bonfire at Oldham Edge tomorrow (Tuesday) have been confirmed.

Residents are invited to enjoy an evening of free entertainment at the grassed site, just outside Oldham town centre, tomorrow from 5–8.30pm.

You’re advised to wear appropriate footwear, wrap up warm, arrive early and use public transport, if possible, to avoid high demand on car parks.

The Oldham Edge site will open from 5pm with a funfair and delicious food stalls.

The fiery fun starts from 6pm onwards as the stage show begins and the bonfire is lit.

Double British firework champions ‘Fantastic Fireworks’ will be taking centre stage later with another masterclass in pyrotechnics choreographed to a carefully selected soundtrack.

Juggling Inferno are headlining the show with their magnificent fire dance performance and there will also be a ‘Battle of the Oldham Edge Beasts’ as a fire breathing Dragon and Bat duel to become the King of the Night.

Elliot Eastwick, Revolution 96.2's breakfast show host, will be DJ for the proceedings leading up to the grand finale - a fireworks display which could be visible across every corner of the borough - from 7pm onwards.

The honour of pushing the button and starting the display once again goes to the winner of Oldham Council's competition for local children.

The submission deadline for entries was yesterday at midnight – almost 350 entries were received.

Full running order:

5pm – Site opens at Oldham Edge including the fairground and food stalls

6pm – The stage show starts and fire show

6.05pm – Fire show begins

6.10pm – Battle of the Oldham Edge Beasts

6.30pm – Main fire show: Juggling Inferno

6.55pm – Push the button countdown

7pm – Fantastic Fireworks display

7.20pm – Fireworks end

8.30pm – Fairground closes

Please note: This running order is subject to change.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Oldham Council Leader, said: “I’m really looking forward to attending this year’s Big Bang Bonfire.

“Not only does it have classic fairground entertainment, great food stalls and some amazing fire shows, it also has a spectacular fireworks finale from one of the nation’s best display teams.

“So why bother spending your own money and taking risks with low-calibre fireworks in the back garden when you can enjoy all this in a stunning, safe and free event? It’s the perfect family night out.

“Don’t forget to wrap up warm and wear appropriate clothing on the night – it’s getting a bit chillier at the moment so best not to come in your shorts and sandals (!)

“Remember as well that there will probably be a big demand for parking spaces so arrive early or please use public transport, if possible.

"The car parks closest to the site, like the Civic Centre and Bradshaw Street always fill up early.

“The bonfire site is just a short walk from the town centre and our team of volunteers will be on hand to show you the easiest and quickest walking routes, which are via Henshaw Street (opposite the rear of Tommyfield Market) and Horsedge Street, passing Blue Coat school.” 

Revolution 96.2 is covering the build-up to ‘The Big Bang’ on air during the day on 96.2FM, including the latest weather and parking information.

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. No dogs, except assistance dogs, are allowed on site.

The fireworks will finish at around 7.20pm, but the fairground and attractions will stay open until 8.30pm.

Anyone planning to take up free parking at Oldham Council-owned car parks in the town centre should note that pay and display machines will be ‘bagged over’ so you do not need to take a ticket from 3pm onwards.

On-street parking bays are also free during this period – these are not bagged over and you do not need to take a ticket.

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