Two more Greater Manchester firework displays have been cancelled as the pandemic continues to scupper Bonfire Night celebrations.
Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police have cancelled both bonfire and firework events that were due to take place at Buile Hill Park on Friday (November 5) and Prince’s Park, Irlam, on Saturday.
It comes almost two weeks since Manchester City Council confirmed it would be cancelling its firework displays due to Covid - including at Heaton Park and Platt Fields Park.
And that decision is partly why leaders in Salford have taken their decision to scrap this weekend's events - with concerns the city's displays could have become too crowded as a result of neighbouring events being called off.
In a statement, both the council and GMP said this would have caused 'capacity issues', including access for emergency medical help - which is currently under huge pressure.
The current Covid rates being seen across Greater Manchester were also a factor behind the decision.
Tom Stannard, chief executive at Salford City Council, 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.”
The decision was taken by the council and GMP following advice from public health officials, emergency services, event professionals and Transport for Greater Manchester.
Chief Superintendent Shaun Donnellan, from GMP's Salford division, added: “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.”
