Nottingham's Bonfire Night celebration cancelled as Council battles spiralling costs

It's the fourth consecutive year it's been cancelled!

The last time the event went ahead at the Forest Recreation Ground was 2019
Author: Ella BicknellPublished 6th Oct 2023
Last updated 6th Oct 2023

Nottingham’s annual Bonfire Night and firework display event has been cancelled due to spiralling costs.

The City Council says their costs have doubled since 2019, the last time the event was held at the Forest Recreation Ground.

The 2020 and 2021 event was cancelled because of the pandemic but it's the second consecutive year for it to be cancelled because of financial pressures.

The free event, which consists of a huge bonfire, firework displays, fairground rides and food stalls, is funded by the Council and the Mellors Group.

£60,000 was budgeted to stage this years event, two thirds funded by the Council.

In a statement a the council said "this is a significant increase on the £30,000 event in 2019 due to a sharp rise in inflation and new regulations".

In a statement, it said: 'The cost not only includes fireworks and event attractions, but also site management, security, medical cover and anti-terrorism measures, which are all standard requirements for an event of this scale.

'The Council is already seeing significant financial pressures on its wider budgets, as it meets increasing demand for the services it provides to support vulnerable children and adults.

'Many local authorities around the country are unable to stage Bonfire Night displays. Cities such as Manchester, Cardiff and Leeds cancelled events in 2022. Glasgow, Gravesend and Norwich have already cancelled firework celebrations for 2023, with many councils also facing budget pressures and rising costs.

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