Autumn in Chorley: Fireworks, Walks & Christmas Lights
Autumn is my FAVOURITE time of the year! As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Chorley bursts into autumn colour and community spirit. From a free fireworks night in Astley Park to golden woodland walks, cosy evenings at Chorley Theatre, and the big Christmas Lights Switch-On, here’s your up-to-date guide to what’s on in October and November.
🎆 Light Up Astley (Astley Park Fireworks) — Friday 7th November 2025
Bonfire Night in Chorley shines brightest at Light Up Astley — a free family evening in Astley Park with a bonfire, fireworks, light installations, entertainment, and plenty of food and drink. It runs 5:00pm–8:00pm on Friday 7th November 2025, so wrap up warm and make a night of it.
Light Up Astley - Astley Park, Chorley. Friday 7th November 2025
🍂 Autumn Walks & Leaf-Peeping
If you’re chasing those copper and gold leaves, Astley Park is an easy stroll from the town centre with woodland paths, a lake and café stops nearby — perfect for a slow Saturday. For wilder views, wander the Rivington Terraced Gardens and up towards the Pike; the gardens are open and free to enjoy at all times and make a spectacular autumn circuit. Prefer waterside woodland? Yarrow Valley Country Park offers waymarked trails, wildlife, and the Treeface Café for a post-walk brew.
If you’re heading out in early October, pop into the Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition in the Coach House Gallery at Astley Park — it runs 11:00am–3:00pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 22nd October 2025 and is free to visit. It’s a lovely add-on to a crisp autumn walk.
Yarrow Valley Country Park
🎭 Cosy Evenings at Chorley Theatre
When the nights draw in, Chorley Theatre is the spot for plays, comedy, screenings and author events. October highlights include The Totally Improvised Musical (Sat 11th Oct), The Knicker Spy (13th–18th Oct), Tom Houghton: Deep (Wed 22nd Oct) and more — with fresh shows added regularly. Interested in more? Take a look at our recent article where we pick our highlights for Autumn and Winter 2025.
The Knicker Spy at Chorley Theatre, 13th - 18th October 2025
🎄 Chorley Christmas Lights Switch-On & Totally Locally Market — Sunday 16th November 2025
Round off November with the big Chorley Christmas Lights Switch-On alongside the Totally Locally Chorley Christmas Market in the town centre. It’s a free, all-day community celebration — ideal for gift hunting, street entertainment and that first festive feel-good moment when the lights sparkle on. The council’s official event page confirms the date; final timings and stage details are announced there first.
Chorley Christmas Lights Switch-On - Chorley Town Centre, 16th November 2025
Make the Most of Autumn in Chorley
Whether you’re toasting marshmallows at Light Up Astley, crunching through leaves in Astley Park, exploring Rivington’s dramatic terraces, ducking into a show at Chorley Theatre, or counting down to the Christmas Lights Switch-On, there’s plenty to savour this season. Support local, plan ahead using the official pages above, and enjoy everything our town has to offer this autumn.
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