This year’s Guy Fawkes Night celebration in South Park will not feature the traditional bonfire, marking a first in the event’s 56-year history. Following complaints from local residents after last year’s event, Oxford City Council permitted Oxford Round Table, which organises the annual charity occasion, to proceed on the condition that the bonfire be excluded from this year’s festivities.
Last year the event coincided with Storm Ciaran, which over-saturated the park, making it vulnerable to the heavy machinery. The damage was caused by vehicles transporting logs for the bonfire, and despite prior concerns and suggestions that Oxford Round Table protect the ground with sheeting, this method continued “on the grounds of cost.”
Around 40 locals lodged complaints with the city council about the grounds, and additional complaints referenced the large amount of smoke generated by the bonfire. Oxford Round Table was ordered to cover the cost of repairing the extensive damages.
This decision comes after negotiations with Oxford Preservation Trust and Friends of South Park group. Other conditions include the implementing metal roadways underneath the funfair and only allowing essential and emergency vehicles to enter the site. Attendees are encouraged to use the Oxford Bus Company for transport now that parking is prohibited on the main site.
Some council members argue that complaints about smoke and mud are not substantial enough to justify discontinuing the bonfire. Independent councillor Ajaz Rehman called the decision “draconian” and emphasised that the event “belongs to the whole of Oxford.” Rehman also expressed concern that the absence of the bonfire could lead to lower ticket sales – last year’s event attracted 20,000 attendees and raised £85,000 for Oxford Round Table to continue their work aiding local charities.
Despite this change, the event, scheduled for the evening of 2nd November, will still include a fireworks display, food villages, bars, and funfair rides. Chairman of Oxford Round Table Josh Worsfold confirmed that Illusion Fireworks, the reigning National Fireworks champions, will once again handle the display.Event director Joseph Garbett added that to make up for the absence of the bonfire, this year’s fireworks show will be the “biggest and best ever.”
