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19
Sept
Harrogate’s Stray Bonfire is set to make its annual return this November, despite uncertainty over its future last year.
The event, which has been organised by Harrogate Round Table for 53 years, is once again headed for the Oatlands Drive section of the Stray and will be hosted in aid of Saint Michael’s Hospice.
The free event will include entertainment from 5pm, before the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm. The highly-anticipated firework display will start at 7.15pm.
But the organisers last year warned the 2023 bonfire could well have been the last.
In a statement expressing “heartfelt appreciation” to those that attend last year’s event, the round table said at the time:
The cost of holding this wonderful community event has risen dramatically over the last three years in line with inflation and the dramatic cost of living that we are all feeling.
We are still processing payments and accumulating this year's totals, but at this stage we can see that it is unlikely we will meet previous totals raised and may well struggle to cover the cost of the event. This brings into question the viability of future bonfire events.
The annual Harrogate charity Stray bonfire night has been a cherished tradition, bringing our community together for the past 52 years. However, due to the increased expenses and risks involved in its planning, we are faced with the unfortunate possibility that this may be the last Harrogate charity Stray bonfire night that Harrogate Round Table hosts, if we do not receive the necessary financial support.
The Stray Ferret put previous fears to the organisers and asked what has changed for them to be able to host the event this year.
Tim Gill, a member of the round table, told the Stray Ferret the organisers receive “no funding” from North Yorkshire Council to hold the event, and costs total around £15,000 to host the bonfire.
However, Mr Gill said the round table has this year launched a fundraising page ahead of the event and is reliant on the “good will of the people of Harrogate” to help cover the costs of the Stray bonfire.
“Cash donations on the night have gone down dramatically”, Mr Gill said, but added the organisers “recognise the event is part of the town’s history”.
He told the Stray Ferret:
Of course, it’s a charity event to raise money for Saint Michael’s Hospice, but it is also a community event and gets people together.
We recognise it would be a real shame to cancel it.
Mr Gill also said the GoFundMe campaign – which has a target of £10,000 – will help fund the event, and all profits generated will be donated to Saint Michael’s Hospice.
Harrogate’s Stray bonfire will return on Saturday, November 2.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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