Manchester's popular bonfire events and fireworks events have been officially cancelled for the second year running.

Following new government advice, Manchester City Council have called off eight events, including Bonfire night at Heaton Park.

In addition to this, events at Platt Fields Park, Wythenshawe Park, Crumpsall Park, Etihad Campus, Cringle Park, Debdale Park and Brookdale Park have all been cancelled.

Due to the rising Covid-19 infection rates, the council say the event would be 'unworkable'.

The decision was made after new government advice came out stating that large scale outdoor events with close density crowds should require attendees to prove their vaccination status.

Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly and I know that many people who look forward to these events will be disappointed, especially when we could not host them last year because of coronavirus restrictions.

“But the health of Manchester people, and the logistical considerations around that, has to come first. Concerns around high Covid infection rates, especially among children and young people who would traditionally make up the bulk of the attendance for this sort of event, also have to be factored in.

“This is not a blanket ban on fireworks events in the city. We would support externally-organised, pre-ticketed events provided they have suitable Covid-management plans in place. But it does mean that we are simply not in the position to host the free, non-ticketed events in our parks.

“We would encourage anyone who is planning to purchase their own fireworks to do so safely and responsibly and, as usual, will be working with partner agencies to help promote safety messages and prevent anti-social behaviour.”

Other major cities that have cancelled upcoming fireworks events include Leeds, Nottingham and London.