Mayor Burnham defends spending on Aviva studios over fireworks

Manchester (London Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham says that Bonfire Night fireworks don’t ‘bring return’, but millions spent on Aviva Studios will.

Mayor Andy Burnham has supported the cancellation of Manchester’s public fireworks display this year — despite paying millions on an arts centre ‘most won’t visit’, it’s argued. It was affirmed earlier this week Manchester council again won’t mark November 5, having the last prominent Bonfire Night in 2019. The authority states it ‘reprioritised’ budgets for funding and enhancing ‘the delivery of a wide range of free, community-focused sports in parks across the city’.

The decision flashed anger among some, with one resident stating: “Now youths are going to be throwing fireworks all over the place! Better to have displays and nowhere selling to the public as then it’s in controlled areas.” 

What economic return does Mayor Burnham expect from Aviva Studios?

When questioned why the council put ‘just under £100 million’ into the development of city centre arts complex Aviva Studios ahead of fireworks on BBC Radio Manchester, Mr Burnham responded: “You need to look at what the city has become… the visitors we have got bring in jobs and prosperity.

“Councils have to cut their clothes very closely these days because they have not got the budget they once had to put on those events that do not necessarily bring that economic return. Aviva Studios will bring investment to this city for decades to come. So, yes, there’s a big cost but you have got to look at the return that comes with that investment — and there will be a big return on the Town Hall [renovation].”

While Mr Burnham supported the council’s decision, he does not formally characterise the organisation, as the Mayor’s office is a distinct entity.

How has the council reprioritised its budget for community events?

Manchester councillor Lee-Ann Igbon previously stated: “We won’t be holding bonfires/fireworks events in November as we have reprioritised our budget to support and enhance the delivery of a wide range of free, community-concentrated activities in parks across the city.”

Furthermore, a council statement added the alternative technique ‘has been a success’, stating there have been over 30 additional free and community-concentrated events in the target wards over the last two years, which have been family-orientated and free to access.