Free bonfire event cancelled for fifth year in a row

The event at the Forest Recreation Ground has not been held since 2019

A Bonfire Night celebration in Nottingham has been cancelled for the fifth year in a row, the city council has confirmed.

The free event at the Forest Recreation Ground, which included a firework display, has not been held since 2019.

It was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic and in the two following years because of rising costs.

The council said "significant cost pressures" mean re-introducing the event for 2024 would "not be viable".

Nottingham City Council has blamed ongoing financial pressures

The authority said in 2023 the costs of staging it had doubled since it was last held in 2019.

The Labour-run authority effectively declared itself bankrupt in November last year, prompting the previous government to appoint commissioners to help run it in February.

Wide-ranging cuts to jobs and services were approved in March, and the lead commissioner has warned of further cuts over the next year.

The council previously said it would look for sponsorship opportunities to support its events programme in the future.

A council spokesperson said: “Nottingham City Council won’t be re-introducing the Bonfire Night and firework display at Forest Recreation Ground this November.

"The significant cost pressures of staging the event remain the same as last year, and set against the context of wider budgetary pressures facing the authority, it was felt that putting on the bonfire and fireworks would unfortunately not be viable.

"The council encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Bonfire Night and firework displays taking place at other venues across the city, including Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and Nottingham Racecourse."