Prince's Park sits in the middle of Irlam, a Victorian park given to the town by George Thomas, and it holds more than you would guess from Liverpool Road. The council lists a children's play area, a skate park for the older ones, an outdoor gym, tennis courts, football pitches and a bowling green, and a remnant of the River Irwell's original course runs through it, now a wildlife habitat.
Parking is free outside Princes Park Garden Centre and beside Irlam and Cadishead Leisure Centre, which both sit on the park. The garden centre has a cafe, The Hide, which takes care of the coffee. There is also a grassy natural amphitheatre, put in for community events in 2011.
It is Irlam's events field too. The Irlam and Cadishead Community Festival takes it over every August bank holiday, and on Sunday 1 November 2026 it hosts the second night of Salford's free Firework Weekend, from 4pm: the night with a traditional bonfire, plus a funfair, food and a firework display.
What it costs: Free entry and free parking. Tennis courts can be booked through the council.
The second night of Salford's free weekend, and the one with a proper bonfire, plus a funfair and a single display. Gates open at 4pm on a Sunday, so it can be an early one before school on Monday.
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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.