Fireworks organisers 'devastated' over congestion

The event took place at Abingdon Airfield on Saturday evening, with adult tickets priced at £20 each. (Stock image)

Organisers of a large fireworks display have said they are "devastated" after widespread traffic congestion getting into and out of the venue.

The Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event was staged on Saturday at Abingdon Airfield.

Ticketholders complained on social media about queuing for up to four hours traffic in jams, despite organisers Xplosive Events claims of an "unprecedented investment" in a new traffic management system.

In a statement, the company said it was "truly sorry" and would "carefully consider" the future of the event.

The Abingdon Bonfire and Fireworks event, organised by Xplosive Events, claimed to be "the UK's largest fireworks, light and laser display".

It took place at Abingdon Airfield on Saturday evening, with adult tickets priced at £20 each.

It promised a "jaw dropping" 270° wrap-around fireworks and laser show, 60ft (18m) high bonfire, kids light show and "explosive finale".

BBC journalist Jordan Brooks was among those who had bought tickets for display, but was stuck in traffic on the way to the venue.

"Having booked tickets and a car parking space, I thought it would be straightforward. But to crawl from the A34 towards the destination for 2 hours, I gave up and tried to escape the queue.

"I then found there was a queue for the other car park near the Marcham interchange as well.

"I ended up watching some of the fireworks from a lay by on the A34 while seeing the queue beneath not move," he said.

The organisers had created a new traffic management in the run up to the event

Other ticket holders turned to social media to complain about congestion.

"Four hours of queues for a half hour of display covered by low cloud/bonfire smoke wasn't really the amazing night promised," said one.

While another criticised "shocking traffic management", some of those who attended posted that they had "an amazing time" at the event.

Xplosives Events Group had been in charge of a similar event at Newbury Showground in 2023 which was dogged by traffic congestion.

The event's website had promised a new traffic system with a one-way system in force on local roads, more parking spaces and new gates and entry lane.

"An unprecedented investment has gone into making your journey smoother, faster, and far less stressful."

However in a statement issued, it said it was "devastated" about the complaints.

"We are truly heartbroken after what was a very challenging and emotional day for our team yesterday.

"To those who left disappointed: we are truly sorry. That was never what we intended. This event takes an astronomical amount of work, planning, and resources, and we genuinely give it everything we've got.

"We understand the issues. And now, we need to take some time as a team to reflect, process, and carefully consider the future of Abingdon Bonfire & Fireworks."