Bonfire tradition comes to an end after 26 years of the event
Scarborough Lions forced to end bonfire night as no safe sites are available to hold 5,000
After over 25 years of bonfires held by Scarborough’s Lions, the tradition won’t take place this year.
Scarborough Lions held their first bonfire in a member’s garden, 26 years ago, which has grown into an event that 5,000 people turn out to see annually.
Last year the bonfire event was almost cancelled but was brought back from the brink due to a public outcry that there would be no major display.
The issue both this year and l ast year was that both sites which have in the past hosted the event, Weaponness and Burniston Road car park, are currently under construction.
Many negot i at i o ns were held i n t he hope t hat a s i t e would be found.
Rob Hunter, president of Scarborough Lions Club, said: “Unfortunately after some 26 years this is going to be the first year we aren’t going to be able to have a bonfire night.
“The council have been unable to secure us a site – one that is safe and secure enough for 5,000 people.”
“They certainly tried to find us a site but there was certainly nothing that they felt was safe and secure.
“We have been holding bonfires for over 25 years, this is the first time we have not had one.
“It’s a real shame for the people of Scarborough.”
There will be other bonfire events in the Scarborough area.
Burniston and Cloughton bonfire and fireworks display will be held at the Village Hall on Thursday November 5.
The bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display will begin at 7pm. Admission is £3 for an adult and £1 for a child.
Cayton and Eastfield Parish Council’s event, again on Thursday, will be held at Mc- Cain John Young Conference Centre sports field. The fire will be lit at 6pm and the fireworks display will begin at 6.45pm. Car parking costs £2.
Ayton Jubilee Committee is holding a free bonfire and fireworks display at Yedmandale Quarry, off Cockrah Road. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks begin at 7pm.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue want to ensure everyone is safe with fireworks and has released some top tips of how to enjoy fireworks safely. A local primary school student has created the Cayton and Eastfield Parish Council’s bonfire night poster (above). The event is on McCain John Young Conference Centre sports field. Annie Bilton, in year five at Cayton School, came top of over 30 entries from Cayton, Overdale and St. George’s schools. Cayton Parish Councillor Rhona Liley said: “The poster competition gives our area’s budding young artists the chance to get some recognition and it’s a great way to promote our event.” Corporate communications manager at McCain, Victoria Stephenson, said: “Annie’s poster was colourful, fun and a perfect promotion for the bonfire.”