Fireworks, then a pint: good pubs near Manchester's free displays

The council's free fireworks are back. After years of smaller community events, there are proper displays again on Saturday 7 November 2026 at Heaton Park, Platt Fields and Wythenshawe Park. That's the Saturday after bonfire night itself, so plan your weekend round it.

Each one opens at 3pm, with a quieter, low-noise display at 5pm for little ones and anyone who's not keen on bangs, lantern parades at 7pm and the main fireworks set to music at 8pm, all done by 9pm. Free, no tickets, though the funfair rides cost extra. The council's announcement has the details, and its fireworks page will have any changes nearer the night.

None of our places are right on a park's doorstep, so the distances below are honest ones. Good for a swift one before, or to warm up after.

Heaton Park

Prestwich is the other side of the park from most people, about a 25 to 30 minute walk from the middle of it, and it's on the tram. Keg, Cask & Bottle on Bury New Road has taps that change several times a day, a couple of casks and three hundred-odd cans and bottles, with a yard out the back. Kids and dogs are welcome, so it works before the fireworks with the family. It shuts at 10pm on a Saturday.

For after, The Crooked Man on Fairfax Road is small, independent and near the tram, with rotating craft lines and open till midnight. Grown-ups only, really.

Platt Fields

The Victoria is a short way down Wilmslow Road in Withington, about 25 minutes on foot or a few stops on any bus heading south. Six handpumps of Hydes and two guests, a beer garden, and families welcome. Open till midnight on a Saturday, and expect it to be busy after the display.

Heading back towards town instead, The Abbey in the Science Park off Oxford Road pours Blackjack beers and a house pilsner with Pieminister pies and two beer gardens. The Salutation behind the Mancunian Way has five Bollington casks, food every day and welcomes families, but it shuts at 10pm.

Wythenshawe Park

The nearest of ours is the Horse & Farrier in Gatley, a short taxi ride from the park rather than a walk. It's a six-room mock-Tudor Hydes pub with seven handpumps, food, a garden and, best of all on a cold night, a real fire. Families welcome, and open till midnight.

And something dark to finish

Bonfire night round here means parkin, treacle toffee and a stout. Port Street Beer House and Northern Monk Refectory in the Northern Quarter nearly always have something dark on, and Fox & Pine in Oldham always keeps three dark beers on its ten handpumps. If you're having your own fireworks in the back garden, Heaton Hops and The Epicurean have stouts in the fridge to take home.