Six bonfire and fireworks events cancelled in Leeds

Leeds City Council has cancelled six annual bonfire and firework events this year because of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding coronavirus.

The council says it wouldn't be able to bring in extra security measures to check Covid statuses because of logistics and costs.

Bonfires are normally held in East End Park, Roundhay Park, Bramley Park, Woodhouse Moor, Middleton Park and Springhead Park in Rothwell.

But they've been cancelled for the second year in a row because of the pandemic.

The council also says other bonfire nights will be subject to safety checks carried out by the Safety Advisory Group.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles said:

“The health and wellbeing of every person in attendance at all proposed council managed events, including our community bonfires remains our absolute priority. This is extremely important especially in an environment where the threat of coronavirus is still very much present and it remains unclear looking ahead, what its impact might be in the autumn and winter months."

"Every event that we manage is subject to certain checks and safeguards in line with government guidance and we must assess if because of its expected size and scale that measures to limit the spread of coronavirus are put in place."

“Having undertaken an assessment, we do not believe given the additional changes that would need to be implemented, that it is possible to host the six bonfire events this year without incurring significant additional expense and affecting the attendees’ overall enjoyment."

It comes just days after the council announced the Christmas market in Leeds also wouldn't be going ahead this year.

But the council says it remains committed to cultural events in the lead up to Christmas, including the annual night light celebrations in October.

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