OMBC Press release
Oldham’s hugely-popular civic bonfire is back for 2014.
‘The Big Bang’ is returning to Oldham Edge on Wednesday, November 5 boasting another electrifying line-up of free family-oriented entertainment.
Star turn on the night will be a stunning new pyrotechnics masterclass from Fantastic Fireworks. This centrepiece mixes traditional favourites ranging from stars, rockets and mines to crackers, fountains and screechers – all set to popular hit songs from the ITV talent show The X Factor.
Families will also be kept warm by another all-singing, all-dancing entertainment line-up. Highlights this year include Brazilian beats from the Juba De Leao drummers. The Gandini Jugglers will mesmerise the crowd with a magical routine using advanced light technology and virtuoso juggling and there will be tricks and treats aplenty as the Fire Man Dave and his team showcase their dazzling fire-juggling display.
A small bonfire, street entertainers, family fairground activities and food stalls selling traditional autumn grub will also be on site.
To help cater for parking demand, Oldham Council is offering the use of all its town centre car parks free of charge from 3pm on the day.
There’s also an extra special treat in store for one lucky child this year – a free prize draw offering the chance to push the button and launch a fireworks display that will be visible across all corners of the borough.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism, said: “The Big Bang was a huge success at Oldham Edge last year with an estimated crowd of around 15,000 people all enjoying free entertainment in a fun, safe and friendly environment. Bringing the bonfire back has proved massively popular since 2012 and the public reaction has re-established it as a major part of our annual calendar of civic events. A lot of planning has taken place with partners to make The Big Bang even better this time round.
“I’d like to particularly thank this year’s sponsors – the Oldham Housing Investment Partnership (OHIP) which brings together the main social housing providers in the borough and the NSL Group which manages our parking offer in Oldham – for their sponsorship and support of this free event.
“We’ve also been enjoying working closely with Revolution 96.2 on the evening’s entertainment and will be revealing further details soon.”
Gates to the Oldham Edge site will open at 5pm on the day with a funfair, entertainers and stalls on offer. Things will start to heat up at 6pm as we light the bonfire and the on-stage entertainment gets underway. Finally the sky will light up at 7pm with The X Factor fireworks display started by one lucky local youngster. Your child can win this once in lifetime opportunity by entering our prize draw online before the closing date of Saturday, November 1. This can be done at The Big Bang webpage at www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire which also hosts a site map and other event information such as parking and entry conditions.
This event is designed to discourage smaller groups of people from holding unsupervised bonfires which can put extreme pressure on emergency services. Plans are shared with Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to help maximise public safety.
The following items – alcohol, sparklers, fireworks, gazebos, fires and barbecues will not be permitted on site and will be confiscated. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Local weather will be closely monitored in the run-up to the event. If conditions are thought to pose any threat to public safety then some aspects could be cancelled.
